Synonyms for "scared"
14 kid-friendly synonyms for scared, sorted by grade level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8).
What does "scared" mean?
The word scared is an adjective that means: feeling afraid.
Example: "I was scared of the loud thunder."
Grade K–2Easy synonyms for scared
Younger kids can use these in place of "scared":
Grade 3–5Stronger words for scared
For elementary writers ready to add precision and variety to their vocabulary:
Grade 6–8Middle-school vocabulary for scared
Tier 2 academic alternatives — useful for essays, persuasive writing, and standardized tests:
Opposites of scared (antonyms)
Words that mean the opposite of scared:
FAQ — synonyms for scared
What is a good synonym for scared in a kid's writing?
For K-2 writers, try afraid. For older students, "nervous" reads more naturally in school writing.
How many synonyms does scared have?
We list 14 grade-appropriate synonyms for scared across three reading levels. Adults' thesauruses include dozens more, but most aren't useful for K-8 vocabulary.
Is scared a noun, verb, or adjective?
In this entry, scared is used as an adjective.
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