1
as in anxiety
the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger
the sight of the headless horseman filled the schoolmaster with fear
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in worry
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble
fear for her family's safety drove her to seek help from neighbors she hardly knew
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to worry
to experience concern or anxiety
her friends feared that she was dating a guy who was all wrong for her
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fear
Alicia Wallace, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025
The number of cancellations comes from a person who asked for anonymity because of the fear of repercussions at the Post.
—David Folkenflik, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025
Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
The rules were put in place to keep high-performance AI chips from Nvidia and others out of the hands of the Chinese government, which Washington fears could co-opt the technology for military use and threaten U.S. national security.
—Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fear
Noun
Soft signals about the economy The pullback in spending comes at a time when American consumers are growing increasingly pessimistic on fears that inflation will pick up because of President Donald Trump’s talk of wide-ranging tariffs, according to various surveys.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025
The number of cancellations comes from a person who asked for anonymity because of the fear of repercussions at the Post.
—David Folkenflik, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
Some fear that states, counties and local meteorologists would have to pay for information that saves lives.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
The rules were put in place to keep high-performance AI chips from Nvidia and others out of the hands of the Chinese government, which Washington fears could co-opt the technology for military use and threaten U.S. national security.
—Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fear
Noun
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In the film, Shear stars as Sam, a once-promising law student whose anxiety has slowly chipped away at his confidence in all areas of his life.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
7 Mar. 2025
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One possibility is anxiety, which, according to Kaiser, feeds on avoidance.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Trade tensions and signs of slowing growth have led to worries that a recession could be looming.—
Auzinea Bacon,
CNN,
9 Mar. 2025
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Those worries were only amplified by his State of the Union speech.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA TODAY,
8 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In fact, these concerns appear to be brought to Musk's attention recently.—
Emily Chang,
ABC News,
5 Mar. 2025
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Are there like-minded employees or managers who share your concerns?—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Over the past few weeks, my family has watched with dread as the Trump administration has closed the borders of the United States to asylum seekers and refugees just like in World War II.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
27 Feb. 2025
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For many, there's a feeling of dread associated with software updates to your favorite gadget.—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
Ars Technica,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
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However, the romantic narrative is punctuated by subtle moments of unease, each barely perceptible on its own but which, taken together, build into something rather more sinister.—
Stephanie Hirschmiller,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
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More than a year later, the campus remains in a state of bewildered unease.—
Nathan Heller,
The New Yorker,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Uncertainty is scary, but fear, panic and worry add insult to injury—another layer of stress.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
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Amid federal workforce layoffs and concerns about the economic impact of his trade policies—which have already sparked panic in the U.S. stock market—several CEOs have voiced doubts about the president's agenda.—
Tommy Tuberville,
Newsweek,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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On January 1, revelers rang in the new year to tragedy when a terror attack claimed 15 lives and left 57 injured.—
Harriet Shepherd,
Vogue,
5 Mar. 2025
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Celebrated around the world, Mardi Gras holds a special meaning for the citizens of New Orleans, especially after the terror attack on the city’s famed Bourbon Street on New Year’s Eve.—
Sam Gillette,
People.com,
4 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to fear
Cite this Entry
“Fear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fear. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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