as in frightened
filled with fear or dread
Ichabod Crane was so spooked that he left Sleepy Hollow for good
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in scared
to strike with fear
the sudden noise spooked her out of her skin
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 spooked
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 Dec. 2024
The points deductions given to Everton and Nottingham Forest last season seem to have also spooked clubs into being extra cautious around PSR.
—Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Some comments under the video show viewers spooked by the scene, weighing in on whether the leg movement was a result of some kind of paranormal intervention or not.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
This post was originally published on December 20 Bitcoin has fallen sharply, dropping along with stock markets after the Federal Reserve warned inflation remained sticky and BlackRock spooked the market.
—Billy Bambrough, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Bitcoin has fallen sharply, dropping along with stock markets after the Federal Reserve warned inflation remained sticky and BlackRock spooked the market.
—Billy Bambrough, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
But he’s also promised to shake up the country’s food and drug industries, promoting healthy lifestyles and disrupting corporate forces driving obesity, addiction and other illnesses — a platform that has broad political appeal but has spooked markets.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 20 Dec. 2024
Centrist politicians across Europe have toughened their migration policies in recent months, spooked by the electoral success of charismatic right-wing and anti-migrant leaders.
—Rob Picheta, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024
But the deer had spooked (likely from the sound of the ATV, Laleman thinks).
—Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 4 Dec. 2024
Verb
Thus, there’s little sense in getting spooked in the pre-Christmas months; when ad rates are negligible, the cost of doling out any necessary audience deficiency units isn’t exactly going to break the bank.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 27 Dec. 2024
The points deductions given to Everton and Nottingham Forest last season seem to have also spooked clubs into being extra cautious around PSR.
—Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024
Some comments under the video show viewers spooked by the scene, weighing in on whether the leg movement was a result of some kind of paranormal intervention or not.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
This post was originally published on December 20 Bitcoin has fallen sharply, dropping along with stock markets after the Federal Reserve warned inflation remained sticky and BlackRock spooked the market.
—Billy Bambrough, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Bitcoin has fallen sharply, dropping along with stock markets after the Federal Reserve warned inflation remained sticky and BlackRock spooked the market.
—Billy Bambrough, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
But he’s also promised to shake up the country’s food and drug industries, promoting healthy lifestyles and disrupting corporate forces driving obesity, addiction and other illnesses — a platform that has broad political appeal but has spooked markets.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 20 Dec. 2024
Centrist politicians across Europe have toughened their migration policies in recent months, spooked by the electoral success of charismatic right-wing and anti-migrant leaders.
—Rob Picheta, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024
But the deer had spooked (likely from the sound of the ATV, Laleman thinks).
—Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 4 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spooked
Adjective
-
Hearts Melt At Moment 'Shut Down' Foster Dog Decides To Trust New Family By Rachael O'Connor Life and Trends Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 Animal lovers' hearts have soared at the moment a frightened foster dog chose to trust the family in her new home.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Apr. 2025
-
That takes some fortitude, when world trade is on the verge of collapse, consumers are frightened and businesses can’t plan anything.—
William Baldwin,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Three minors heard gunfire and believed they had been fired at, and were scared of being shot, wrote Sheriff’s Deputy Dave Walls.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
9 Apr. 2025
-
For those who have been scared to shift away from grays and creams, these shades offer an ideal compromise.—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The movie sees the revival of arch-villain Feathers McGraw, who terrified kids in 1993’s The Wrong Trousers.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
23 Dec. 2024
-
My Hugo would chase it and bark at it, or he'd be terrified.—
Benedict Cosgrove,
Newsweek,
20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
Will Poulter has never been afraid to get rough on screen and the same apparently applies to his work process as well.—
Harrison Richlin,
IndieWire,
6 Apr. 2025
-
And most importantly, surround yourself with other women who think big, talk money openly, and aren’t afraid to build serious wealth.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Black is the ideal guy for the job here, screaming in agony while applying the nightmare product, and using Chester Cheetah as the alarmed straight man is inspired.—
Ben Rosenstock,
Vulture,
6 Apr. 2025
-
Cena's unprovoked assault, following a bizarre accusation, showcased a volatile side, prompting Jim Ross's alarmed reaction.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The model's celebrity friends were equally shocked at the haircut.—
Catherine Santino,
People.com,
1 Apr. 2025
-
And the reaction from the crew members on set as David rejected deal after deal was equally shocked.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spooked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spooked. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share