FEAR Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

fear 1 of 2

noun

ˈfir

Definition of fear next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

fear

2 of 2

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

On trial for murder: The trial of three men linked to a series of robberies and murders that rocked New York’s L.G.B.T.Q. community and spread fear throughout the city began with opening statements. —

Shayla Colon, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025 When a crisis hits, and difficult conversations become necessary, that foundation of trust allows for open, honest dialogue rather than fear and uncertainty. —

David A. Naylor, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Verb

Millot was quickly interwoven into a side that played fast, intricate football, and established himself as a goalscoring midfielder to be feared. —

The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 Many now fear that the system of cooperation is beginning to crack. —

Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fear

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fear

Noun

Then the widespread anxiety spurred by a wave of high-profile robberies and the deadly home-invasion of Jacqueline Avant.

— Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Jan. 2025
The situation caused Campbell a lot of anxiety, but became a pivotal shift in her perspective.

— Kait Hanson, Glamour, 18 Jan. 2025