Synonym Chooser

How is the word trepidation distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of trepidation are alarm, dread, fear, fright, panic, and terror. While all these words mean "painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger," trepidation adds to dread the implications of timidity, trembling, and hesitation.

raised the subject with trepidation

When would alarm be a good substitute for trepidation?

While the synonyms alarm and trepidation are close in meaning, alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.

view the situation with alarm

Where would dread be a reasonable alternative to trepidation?

The words dread and trepidation can be used in similar contexts, 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

When might fear be a better fit than trepidation?

The meanings of fear and trepidation largely overlap; however, fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage.

fear of the unknown

When could fright be used to replace trepidation?

Although the words fright and trepidation have much in common, fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear.

fright at being awakened suddenly

When is panic a more appropriate choice than trepidation?

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

the news caused widespread panic

When is it sensible to use terror instead of trepidation?

The words terror and trepidation are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, terror implies the most extreme degree of fear.

immobilized with terror

Examples 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 trepidation Colorado's beer industry enters 2025 with trepidation, looking for a way forward after difficult financial years. John Frank, Axios, 2 Jan. 2025 The nondescript restaurant at 408 E. 63rd St. opened as the pandemic hit, then temporarily closed as the city shuttered and (most) people were filled with trepidation. Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 2 Jan. 2025 In the previous quarter, Costco saw sales increase, but not as high as Wall Street had expected, suggesting consumers were spending with trepidation. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024 Any potential traveler to Antarctica who gets even the slightest bit queasy in rough waters views a sail to the White Continent with trepidation. Laurie Werner, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trepidation 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trepidation
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
  • As the community grapples with recovery, fears of gentrification loom large.
    Melissa Noel, Essence, 23 Jan. 2025
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
Noun
  • The image of crew member Frank Silva, spontaneously recruited to play the murderous demon Bob, at the foot of Laura’s bed instills an overwhelming sense of dread, even as a static screenshot.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The thought of returning to the beach filled her with dread.
    Lila Shapiro, Vulture, 13 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near trepidation

Cite this Entry

“Trepidation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trepidation. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on trepidation

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