terror

Synonym Chooser

How is the word terror distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of terror are alarm, dread, fear, fright, panic, and trepidation. While all these words mean "painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger," terror implies the most extreme degree of fear.

immobilized with terror

When is it sensible to use alarm instead of terror?

The words alarm and terror are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.

view the situation with alarm

When might dread be a better fit than terror?

While in some cases nearly identical to terror, 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

When can fear be used instead of terror?

The words fear and terror can be used in similar contexts, but fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage.

fear of the unknown

In what contexts can fright take the place of terror?

While the synonyms fright and terror are close in meaning, fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear.

fright at being awakened suddenly

Where would panic be a reasonable alternative to terror?

The synonyms panic and terror are sometimes interchangeable, but panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity.

the news caused widespread panic

How do trepidation and dread relate to one another, in the sense of terror?

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 terror Abbey Gate terror suspect charged and extradited to the US Abdullah joined Al-Shabaab in 2015 after becoming more religious and listening to the teachings of Anwar al-Awlaki. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 24 Mar. 2025 Both men were kidnapped from the Supernova music festival during the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack. Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 24 Mar. 2025 Read more Map shows US states allowing firing squad executions Judge blocks nitrogen gas execution in Louisiana, citing 'pain and terror' Are executions in the US on the rise? Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 Catch up quick: The Houthis began launching ballistic missile and drone attacks against Israel less than two weeks after the Hamas October 7 terror attack. Barak Ravid, Axios, 15 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for terror
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terror
Noun
  • Yet beneath the pristine public persona were demons that would drive him to alcoholism, scandal, and death from an overdose in 2012.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025
  • As Ema pursues the truth, she is forced to confront her own demons.
    Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • By understanding where and when white sharks are most likely to be detected, researchers and policymakers can better communicate with the public about how to safely enjoy Maine’s beaches without unnecessary fear.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Sometimes they’re driven by fears of what’s to come.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Alec speaks plainly of his state of torment since the incident, and Hilaria speaks repeatedly of the losses of Hutchins’s family, including her now-motherless son.
    Peter Tonguette, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The clip showed life before the tragedy — carpool rides and sing-a-longs with the kids as well as festive house parties with the neighbors gathered together — followed by Céline finding her son Max seconds too late, and the torment both families faced as a result.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • They are marketed as an alternative for pain relief, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
    Steve Banker, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Recently announced job cuts at Johns Hopkins University, one of Maryland’s largest employers, and tens of thousands of others across the nation, however, are happening with an unsettling speed and efficiency, leaving countless workers in a state of anxiety, uncertainty and despair.
    Alan M. Langlieb, Baltimore Sun, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The sudden panic over Florida's special elections has finally put President Trump on the same page as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.): The GOP's margin is too close for comfort.
    Marc Caputo, Axios, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Oh, and all of the action is taking place in a manufactured community...an enormous bunker inside a Colorado mountain used to protect thousands from an apocalyptic natural disaster made worse by nuclear panic.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • And Answers For Thursday, March 20 Design your location deliberately Live somewhere that inspires you, not fills you with dread.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Its wartime atmosphere gives it a sense of dread all its own and its set pieces are all doozies, especially the Statue of Liberty climax.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Terror.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terror. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on terror

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