SPOOKING Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

spooking

verb

present participle of spook

as in scaring

to strike with fear the sudden noise spooked her out of her skin

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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 spooking However, keeping rates steady could rock the bond market, sending the Treasury rates that influence mortgages dramatically higher and spooking the stock market. — Matt Stiles, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2026 Sometimes, a machine in the factory would be seen moving on its own, controlled remotely by someone in Turkey, spooking workers in the Texas factory. — ProPublica, 26 Aug. 2026 At the same time, China’s auto industry is spooking established automakers in North America, Europe and Asia, according to AlixPartners. — Bill Koenig, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 Soon, representatives of the security services began spooking entrepreneurs with public attacks, interrogations, and arrests. — Bozorgmehr Sharafedin, The Atlantic, 1 June 2026 Gordon was wary of overstaying his welcome, or of spooking Toek Tik by getting too specific about his aims. — Matthew Campbell, Bloomberg, 22 May 2026 Use line in the two- to four-pound class to avoid spooking extremely wary fish and to permit the minnows swimming freedom. — John Phillips, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026 Many other businesses considered similar moves, spooking the state's lawmakers, as Delaware, despite being a heavily Democratic state, has long been viewed as a haven for business. — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 1 May 2026 Energy policy vacillation in the US is spooking investors and leaving the country less prepared to compete in the global economy. — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 16 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spooking

Verb

Such actions are scaring people away from coming to court, whether as witnesses, defendants or observers, Bonta said, and amount to a blatant abuse of power.

— Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026
The Longhorns aren't scaring anyone on offense and Sarkisian has come under fire for his play calling.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of scaring

Verb

Powell tried to open the stall door, and then began fondling himself, frightening the 11-year-old, who tried to leave, but Powell blocked him from getting out.

— Todd Feurer, CBS News, 6 June 2026
This war has been a disaster for them, frightening away foreign investors, tourists and talent and burdening them with a future of huge new defense bills to deter Iran after the United States is gone.

— Thomas L. Friedman, Mercury News, 15 May 2026

Definition of frightening

Verb

Though privacy concerns around these agents’ access may be terrifying in their own right, for now the utopian vision seems to be winning.

— Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026
Still, Douglas is unflinching in the book about how physically abusive and terrifying his dad was to him and his brother.

— Sean Woods, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of terrifying

Browse Nearby Words

spooked

spooking

spookish

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

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Synonyms of spooking

verb

Example Sentences

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