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fear

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verb

as in to worry
to experience concern or anxiety her friends feared that she was dating a guy who was all wrong for her

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fear distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of fear are alarm, dread, fright, panic, terror, and trepidation. While all these words mean "painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger," fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage.

fear of the unknown

When might alarm be a better fit than fear?

The words alarm and fear are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.

view the situation with alarm

In what contexts can dread take the place of fear?

The synonyms dread and fear are sometimes interchangeable, but dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety.

faced the meeting with dread

Where would fright be a reasonable alternative to fear?

While the synonyms fright and fear are close in meaning, fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear.

fright at being awakened suddenly

When can panic be used instead of fear?

The words panic and fear can be used in similar contexts, but panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity.

the news caused widespread panic

When is terror a more appropriate choice than fear?

In some situations, the words terror and fear are roughly equivalent. However, terror implies the most extreme degree of fear.

immobilized with terror

How are the words trepidation and dread related as synonyms of fear?

Trepidation adds to dread the implications of timidity, trembling, and hesitation.

raised the subject with trepidation

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 fear
Noun
While on the stand, Ventura also opened up about dating Mescudi for a short period, but allegedly having to break it off out of fear of Combs' reaction. Jordana Comiter, People.com, 22 May 2025 In the void of official archives, a number of independent record-keepers have taken matters into their own hands, offering the public a cache of data and documentation to sift and search through without fear of sudden removal. Chad De Guzman, Time, 23 May 2025
Verb
Advocates fear the orders weaken safeguards that protect the public from unsafe reactor designs and reduce the risk that used fuel can be diverted for nefarious purposes. Davis Winkie, USA Today, 23 May 2025 The New York Times: Israelis, stunned by the D.C. shooting, fear backlash over the war in Gaza. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fear
Noun
  • Giving into your kids to avoid your own feelings of stress and anxiety does more harm than good in the long run, says bestselling author and personal growth expert Mel Robbins.
    Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 30 May 2025
  • Millennials courageously started talking openly about therapy, anxiety, and depression, breaking decades of stigma.
    Charell G. Coleman, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Because of the outsize anticipation, initial reports of delays and extensive rewrites on Season 2 created worries that the series’ intricate narrative puzzle might implode.
    Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
  • There happens to be one available that would help ease any worry about Bosa's injury issues throughout the year.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • Many of his followers are schoolboys — something that has sparked concern among educators worldwide.
    Willem Marx, NPR, 28 May 2025
  • While the insurance industry is not opposed to a study, the way this legislation is structured raises serious concerns.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • As the anniversary of Will’s disappearance approaches, so does a heavy, familiar dread.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 June 2025
  • Does the thought of snakes gliding through the air at frightening speeds fill you with dread?
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • The second important thing to say about the speculation around Doctor Who is that the drama’s key figures — including Gatwa himself — have done little to dispel the sense of unease.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 23 May 2025
  • Local police are investigating the incident as theft, while Sevnica officials expressed unease, saying Melania's image was never a source of pride for the town.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Advocacy organizations that defend immigrant rights such as the Rural & Migrant Ministry and the Finger Lakes Rapid Response Network have held workshops to teach immigrants about their legal rights and to discourage them from spreading panic with unverified reports.
    Ana Ley, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • The eight-episode whodunit, from Shonda Rhimes’ production company, Shondaland, is set in the halls of the White House, where the death of one of its East Wing employees during a state dinner party triggers panic.
    Daron James, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Hamas and other militant groups kidnapped 251 people from Israel during the October 7, 2023 terror attacks.
    Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
  • In the trailer, LAPD detective Mark Meachum (Ackles) is recruited to be part of an elite team tasked with preventing a large scale terror attack in Los Angeles.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fear. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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