AFRAID Synonyms: 102 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'afraid' different from other adjectives like it?

The words apprehensive and fearful are common synonyms of afraid . While all three words mean "disturbed by fear," afraid often suggests weakness or cowardice and regularly implies inhibition of action or utterance. // afraid to speak the truth

Q: When is it sensible to use 'apprehensive' instead of 'afraid'?

The words apprehensive and afraid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, apprehensive suggests a state of mind and implies a premonition of evil or danger. // apprehensive of being found out

Q: When can 'fearful' be used instead of 'afraid'?

The meanings of fearful and afraid largely overlap; however, fearful implies often a timorous or worrying temperament. // the child is fearful of loud noises

afraid

adjective

ə-ˈfrād

Definition of afraid next

as in scared

filled with fear or dread Melissa is afraid of flying, so she takes a train from Boston to visit her brother in Chicago

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word afraid different from other adjectives like it?

The words apprehensive and fearful are common synonyms of afraid. While all three words mean "disturbed by fear," afraid often suggests weakness or cowardice and regularly implies inhibition of action or utterance.

afraid to speak the truth

When is it sensible to use apprehensive instead of afraid?

The words apprehensive and afraid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, apprehensive suggests a state of mind and implies a premonition of evil or danger.

apprehensive of being found out

When can fearful be used instead of afraid?

The meanings of fearful and afraid largely overlap; however, fearful implies often a timorous or worrying temperament.

the child is fearful of loud noises

Examples 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 afraid Thousands more trembled at home waiting for direction, frantic and afraid. —

Jim Newton, The Mercury News, 10 Jan. 2025 Don't be afraid to discuss it with your manager outside the annual pay discussions. —

Dr. Cynthia J. Young, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 The idea popped up on social media last weekend, largely from Bengals fans who believed the Chiefs were afraid to face them in the playoffs. —

Danielle Jennings, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025 Getty Images Online shoppers weren't afraid to open their virtual wallets this holiday season. —

Michele Luhn, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for afraid

Recent Examples of Synonyms for afraid

Adjective

Read Next Florida Shelter thought dog was scared — but something else was wrong.

Simone Jasper, Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2025
Advertisement Thirty years ago, Blake was himself a scared kid.

Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025