1
as in terrifying
causing fear
the fearful roar of a lion
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in timid
easily frightened
the stray cat that we took in is still fearful, even around us
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3
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
the fearful wind and cold simply made being outside a miserable experience
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4
as in afraid
filled with fear or dread
fearful of venturing out onto the dark highway, the stranded motorist decided to wait in the car for help
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fearful
Why Dems are fearful of Trump's pick to lead the FBI — and their strategy to derail him.
—
Fox News, 30 Jan. 2025
From being fearful of humans to accepting love, Nia's time with foster families has paid off.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
For instance, people who experienced chronic poverty while growing up or who are struggling under crushing medical or student loan debt might be particularly fearful of financial insecurity.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025
America under Trump’s second presidency is fearful for its borders and the potential terrorists that might be coming in through them.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for fearful 
Fox News, 30 Jan. 2025
From being fearful of humans to accepting love, Nia's time with foster families has paid off.
—Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
For instance, people who experienced chronic poverty while growing up or who are struggling under crushing medical or student loan debt might be particularly fearful of financial insecurity.
—Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025
America under Trump’s second presidency is fearful for its borders and the potential terrorists that might be coming in through them.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for fearful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fearful
Adjective
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In its place is the Terran Empire, a brutal and colonizing force that encapsulates the terrifying darkness of this alternative world.—
Angelica Jade Bastién,
Vulture,
7 Feb. 2025
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Meanwhile, Irving spent the night venturing off on his own, falling asleep in the forest with terrifying hallucinations.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Trump could instead lead with Vice President JD Vance’s promise: Boost the Child Tax Credit to $5,000 per child for young families, a progressive idea submitted by Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) last week in a timid insurgency by Republican moderates who prefer to lift middling Americans.—
Bruce Fuller,
Baltimore Sun,
6 Feb. 2025
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Thus far this season, Sheppard, averaging 11.6 minutes per game, has struggled to get acclimated, often appearing timid and indecisive with the basketball.—
Rahat Huq,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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With rain that could be intense enough to cause #mudslides.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
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The price war, sparked by Tesla two years ago, has become so intense that BYD asked its suppliers late last year to deliver hefty price reductions of 10% for the coming year.—
Hassan Tayir,
CNN,
11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Their jewelry speaks to women who aren’t afraid to express their individuality.—
Sandra Salibian,
WWD,
17 Feb. 2025
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Don't be afraid to explore creative options with your seating like a hanging chair.—
Macie Stump,
Southern Living,
17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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What ensues is an incredibly artful dance between frightening violence and slapstick humor that reveals both Ani’s inner steel and Igor’s integrity—two strong hooks into the film as a whole.—
Antonia Blyth,
Deadline,
4 Feb. 2025
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For someone living in that position, life can be frightening and overwhelming.—
Bahíyyah Maroon,
Orlando Sentinel,
1 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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This is scary data for Rancho Palos Verdes residents: last year, officials warned that more than 100 homes in the community were at risk of slipping into the ocean.—
Kristan Hawkins,
Newsweek,
7 Feb. 2025
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Listen to this article These days, Andrew’s Mason Moore can be a pretty scary sight for an opponent.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Since the two Secret Service agents tried to enter Hamline, Trump has targeted Chicago with an intensive set of raids that swept up people with criminal records and also those with none at all.—
Nell Salzman,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Feb. 2025
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Meanwhile, Gaza—largely destroyed by intensive Israeli bombing and ground operations—would need to be rebuilt and overhauled, including slotting in new financial, health care, education and judicial systems, the think tank said.—
Ellie Cook,
Newsweek,
5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The roughly seven-minute conversation raises questions about how the misunderstanding occurred and why incorrect information was shared with an already frightened community.—
Nell Salzman,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Feb. 2025
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Those who have birthright citizenship, those brought here as children and those who have legally applied for asylum are frightened.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near fearful
Cite this Entry
“Fearful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fearful. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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