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
PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2025
Ukrainian expectations for the summit in Alaska are low, amid fears in Kyiv that the American and Russian leaders will seek to dictate Ukraine's future without its participation.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2025
Alexander Smith, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2025
Researchers said the species, known for its striking blue eyes and blue spots, was feared extinct for decades until it was rediscovered in Minas Gerais in 2015 by ornithologist Rafael Bessa.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fear
Noun
Still, the first looks at the Air, shared by leaker Majin Bu, evoke a fear of bending.
—PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2025
Ukrainian expectations for the summit in Alaska are low, amid fears in Kyiv that the American and Russian leaders will seek to dictate Ukraine's future without its participation.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
The Trump-Putin summit has prompted howls of dismay and anxiety across Ukraine and Europe, which have not been invited to the talks and fear what the American president may agree to with his Russian counterpart about the conflict raging on their continent.
—Alexander Smith, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2025
Researchers said the species, known for its striking blue eyes and blue spots, was feared extinct for decades until it was rediscovered in Minas Gerais in 2015 by ornithologist Rafael Bessa.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fear
Noun
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Ultimately, these discussions about college don’t have to include arguments or high anxiety.—
Robert Cole,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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By Linda Wells Skin in the Game Leather Bound Tanning is back, and Gen Z is ignoring the risks, turning to sunbathing and tanning beds to soothe anxiety and feel in control By Erin Flaherty Read On Dietary Restrictions?—
Jeanne Malle,
Air Mail,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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His worry is that a robust response could be lacking since both the U.S. and a number of European countries have cut so much of their humanitarian aid.—
Gabrielle Emanuel,
NPR,
13 Aug. 2025
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Lauritsen said while the foundation is not against the project, its biggest worry is that the road won’t be built with ample areas for wildlife to cross.—
Natalia Jaramillo,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
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For Type 2 Diabetes, Potatoes Have a Bad Rap Blood sugar control is no small concern for Americans.—
Sarah Garone,
Health,
8 Aug. 2025
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There were fears — including safety concerns — over how the controversy would impact the 41 other acts scheduled to take the Radar Festival stage.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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That feeling of dread is really only a response to our dread as to what humans are capable of.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Aug. 2025
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Right now, a legislator, even Anwar, spending time in prison adds to the whispers of dread circulating around Hartford.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
9 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Some candidates for office have expressed unease about disciplinary actions that were taken against four writers earlier this year.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
4 Aug. 2025
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The Mountain West has subsequently pillaged lower levels for new members, and the domino effect has left many mid-majors in a state of unease at best, total disarray and panic at worst.—
Jim Root,
New York Times,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
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As Mackey and Noem bust into the theater, the audience scrambles in panic.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
7 Aug. 2025
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The scream, the adults in the living room knocking over chairs and flying towards the terrace, Mr. Tiago and the boy’s father diving in with their clothes on and everything, the women standing at the pool’s edge in panic, crying.—
Hazlitt,
Hazlitt,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Far to the north, in the Montes de Maria region where Nawar Jimenez grew up, the terror instilled by armed groups is also deep-rooted.—
Ladan Anoushfar,
CNN Money,
6 Aug. 2025
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Virginia Woolf’s wild run of creativity in her 40s included writing her masterpiece on the terrors and triumphs of middle age.—
Hillary Kelly,
The Atlantic,
5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fear. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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