Synonyms of trepidation

trepidation

noun

ˌtre-pə-ˈdā-shən 

as in fear

the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger

shaking with trepidation, I stepped into the old abandoned house

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fear
• anxiety
• fearfulness
• dread
• panic
• terror
• horror
• fright
• worry
• dismay
• scare
• concern
• alarm
• nervousness
• alarum
• pang
• phobia
• apprehension
• consternation
• jitters
• agitation
• twinge
• creeps
• disquiet
• perturbation
• timidity
• qualm
• funk
• cowardice
• discomposure
• willies
• timorousness
• faintheartedness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confidence
• assurance
• boldness
• aplomb
• self-confidence
• courage
• fearlessness
• daring
• bravery
• fortitude
• self-assurance
• intrepidity
• valor
• gallantry
• stoutness
• hardihood
• audacity
• nerve
• intrepidness
• dauntlessness
• guts
• courageousness
• doughtiness

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of trepidation

Both the bond and the stock markets have increasingly been taking Trump’s tariffs in stride, after earlier showing much more trepidation. —Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2025

However, there’s trepidation based on the past, said Gonzalez, with the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs. —Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 1 Feb. 2025

That's not to say Malkovich was without trepidation. —Jessica Wang, EW.com, 12 Mar. 2025

Even those on his team acknowledge some trepidation. —Stephen Maher, TIME, 9 Mar. 2025

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