1
2
as in fear
the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger
the earthquake so filled me with fright that I still have trouble sleeping
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to frighten
to strike with fear
a ghastly sight that would fright even the most stouthearted soul
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of fright
Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2024
The main cast gets the feel and tone of what Wilson has wrought, both the frights and the frivolity.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Dec. 2024
Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 2024
For anyone into sheer terror with a side of entertainment, streaming services like Shudder can fright and delight.
—Jennifer Jolly, USA TODAY, 22 Dec. 2022
See All Example Sentences for fright
Noun
It’s set during a live broadcast of a fictional late-night ’70s show whose affable host, Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian), conjures more fun than frights.
—Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2024
The main cast gets the feel and tone of what Wilson has wrought, both the frights and the frivolity.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
The perpetrators would acquire the vehicles via hire-purchase agreements, air fright them to Singapore with false papers and then ship them to Thailand.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 2024
For anyone into sheer terror with a side of entertainment, streaming services like Shudder can fright and delight.
—Jennifer Jolly, USA TODAY, 22 Dec. 2022
See All Example Sentences for fright
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fright
Noun
-
Another recent video on her page revealed this wasn't the last time her cat used a ball of yarn to cause a mess.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
-
Other traders were telling their stories better than us—our visual identity was a bit of a mess at the time—and lastly, people love great sandwiches!—
Lela London,
Forbes.com,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
The Albanian people deserve free elections, not another manipulated outcome enforced through fear and political imprisonment.—
Beth Bailey,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2025
-
Madrid’s lack of defensive intensity means their opponents can progress upfield with little fear at times, knowing that Ancelotti’s forward line does not provide their team-mates the protection that comes with pressing from the front.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
10 May 2025
Verb
-
The goal of strengthening Washington’s presence should be to reassure partners that U.S. pressure is designed to create stronger alliances, not to pave the way for abandonment, as well as to ensure that resisting China is viable for countries that are frightened by Beijing.—
A. Wess Mitchell,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
-
The American Declaration of Independence and Constitution frightened monarchies and despots around the world without a single bullet or gunboat.—
Bruce Fein,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Clown in a Cornfield director Eli Craig — the son of iconic actor Sally Field — is sharing his mom’s reaction to his new horror comedy.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
-
Like the slicker-wearing fisherman, the world of the 1997 slasher is coming back to life, with an all-new entry in the horror film franchise.—
Christopher Rudolph,
People.com,
11 May 2025
Noun
-
Sewing anxiety and confusion are usually first steps from Trump ahead of negotiation.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
5 May 2025
-
Annoying airport delays, congested highways and spiraling vacation costs can result in stress and anxiety.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
Verb
-
Start to say no to distractions that do not serve your higher purpose, and start saying yes to the things that challenge you, stretch you and even scare you a little.—
Melissa Sierra,
Forbes.com,
7 May 2025
-
What scares and excites you about where AI is headed for the next generation of artists?—
Lily Marks,
Time,
5 May 2025
Verb
-
The prospective repercussions terrify the corner of the AI universe concerned about safety, industry experts said, particularly as leading players pursue artificial general intelligence, or AGI, which is technology that rivals or exceeds human intelligence.—
Hayden Field,Jonathan Vanian,Jennifer Elias,
CNBC,
14 May 2025
-
The radiotherapy had caused swelling in my brain—apparently a normal response, but still terrifying.—
Josh Hammer,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 May 2025
Noun
-
Dylan Cozens gets the glory of a short-handed goal that put Maple Leafs fans in a panic entering Game 6.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
-
Without firing a shot, China could liquidate these assets and cause instability in our financial markets raising interest rates, weakening the dollar and creating a panic.—
Paul Bernstein,
Hartford Courant,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fright.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fright. Accessed 17 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share