scared

adjective

ˈskerd How to pronounce scared (audio)
Synonyms of scarednext
: thrown into or being in a state of fear, fright, or panic
scared of snakes
scared to go out

Synonyms of scared

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Examples of scared in a Sentence

I am really scared about speaking in front of the class. He was scared that his mother wouldn't let him go to the movies with his friends. She's scared to walk alone at night.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And feeling so scared and so overwound by the idea that this was going to make or break our career. — Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Dulcio said her employees are also scared about reporting to work. — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026 Ormund seemingly isn’t scared to learn that enough soldiers to fill a basketball arena are about to bang down the door. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026 OutKick questions being cut off after the game because the WNBA is scared to answer them. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scared

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scared was in 1579

Phrases Containing scared

Rhymes for scared

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Browse Nearby Words

scarecrow
scared
scaredness
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Cite this Entry

“Scared.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scared. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on scared

Nglish: Translation of scared for Spanish Speakers

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