FRIGHTS Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

frights 1 of 2

noun

plural of fright

as in messes

something unpleasant to look at people in our neighborhood think that that orange and green office building is a hideous fright

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visions

frights

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of fright

as in scares

to strike with fear a ghastly sight that would fright even the most stouthearted soul

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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 frights

Noun

But not everyone wants to be up close and personal the with the IRL frights of a haunted house or spooky corn maze. — Ayesha Rascoe, NPR, 18 Oct. 2026 There are also family activities, fall brews to sip, and food trucks to keep you fueled for the frights. — Michelle Mastro, Midwest Living, 9 Oct. 2026 But don’t worry, all the frights and fun are still heading our way soon. — Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026 In the movie, a group of teens accidentally release a bunch of monsters from Stine’s book collection, creating complete havoc and plenty of great family-friendly frights. — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 28 Aug. 2026 And some of the film’s most impressive frights take place in the dentist’s chair, veering into serious body-horror territory. — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026 Dark, eerie, and paranoid (for good reason), the eight-episode season shifts back and forth from the casual grimness of an unwelcoming reality to the shocking frights of a stoner’s worst nightmare (the latter of which is shrewdly motivated by Rachel regularly smoking pot). — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 26 Mar. 2026 Many movies tried to recreate its magic mixture, including some of its own sequels, but few achieved the merry concoction of frights, gore, and giggles that Craven handled so masterfully. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Mar. 2026 But the fun, the frights, and the sense of being among fellow enthusiasts fluent in Slasher 101 and in on the jokes has been bled out of this. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 27 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frights

Noun

Coffee spills, muddy shoes, pet mishaps, and everyday messes don’t have to turn into decorating disasters.

— Ethan Stone October 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026
Tackle stubborn messes effortlessly with the Roborock Qrevo Edge 2 Robot Vacuum and Mop.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of messes

Verb

In the most basic sense, a film in which supernatural scares arise courtesy of negative space ought to at least have thoughtful framing, but the endless series of startles arrive with the same weight and energy as the fake outs.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Kennedy, who was an anti-vaccine activist before entering politics and has sent mixed messages to Americans about getting the measles vaccine, scares her.

— Ali Swenson, STAT, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of scares

Noun

The horrors at Requiem Haunted House, the largest indoor scare attraction in the Treasure Valley, begin as soon as you’re greeted at the door.

— Hali Smith October 17, Idaho Statesman, 17 Oct. 2026
And the potential horrors within are keeping him from opening it.

— Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of horrors

Verb

The prospect of Sean Steur or Lewis Hall — whose contract situation Wilson refused to be drawn on, despite being asked three times — leaving is not something which frightens the hierarchy.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Penelope, too, is asked to occupy a landscape that frightens her, not only as a neurodivergent child in a neurotypical culture, but as a child now situated in an adult world.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of frightens

Noun

Big institutions like the Louvre and the Élysée Palace are better avoided; instead, visit some of the city's niche sights and smaller museums.

— Alessia Armenise, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Oct. 2026
The walking haunt leans towards the gory side of horror, so come prepared to witness some grotesque sights, organizers said on Eventbrite.

— Hali Smith October 17, Idaho Statesman, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of sights

Verb

Black Palace is set in 1888 London as an emerging tabloid media terrifies the public with lurid stories of infamous serial killer Jack the Ripper.

— Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026
What terrifies you about this moment and inspires you about this moment?

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of terrifies

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frighting

frights

fright wig

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“Frights.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frights. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of frights

noun

verb

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