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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of fear
David Denby,
New Yorker,
21 June 2026
In other words, the fear of leaking personal data kicks in only when someone is facing the real decision of whether to hand off their device to a recycler or secondhand buyer.
—
Eric Williams,
Fortune,
21 June 2026
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2026
An alliance of conservative business leaders and ministers feared a loss of influence in this new political and social reality.
—
David Mislin,
The Conversation,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for fear
Noun
Circe and Calypso, for instance, are fantasies of pleasure and captivity, projections of men’s fear of losing control; Odysseus’ abandonment of them is part of his return to command.
—
David Denby,
New Yorker,
21 June 2026
In other words, the fear of leaking personal data kicks in only when someone is facing the real decision of whether to hand off their device to a recycler or secondhand buyer.
—
Eric Williams,
Fortune,
21 June 2026
Verb
Thousands are feared dead in Venezuela after two massive earthquakes, but a former MLB pitcher is one of the lucky ones.
—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2026
An alliance of conservative business leaders and ministers feared a loss of influence in this new political and social reality.
—
David Mislin,
The Conversation,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for fear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fear
Noun
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As burnout, anxiety and digital overload continue to climb, many are discovering that recovery requires doing less—not more.
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In a neighborhood sometimes marked by gangs and violence, and in a time of heightened anxiety over immigration enforcement, the Fiesta Back of the Yards acts as a beacon of light, offering food, social services, music and fun in a safe environment.
Noun
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Any worries about complacency were wiped away in the third minute when Auston Trusty fired home the opening goal and caused the stands at SoFi Stadium to shake (literally) with the noise and jumping fans.
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Reformation’s move toward the open market also signals that the time might be right — with Wall Street hitting all-time highs despite worries about inflation and AI — for fashion to jump in.
Noun
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Only rush-hour traffic and $20 tacos inspire the same level of dread.
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The long and painful rehab would have interfered with his writing; the dread of leaving behind an incomplete manuscript outweighed the benefit of a few extra months.
Noun
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Newsom has not said if the newer version of the bill quells this concern.
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Still, British politics could become a more pressing concern for the bond market with Burnham at the helm.
Noun
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With the rise of tablets and tech worldwide, toys have begun to become obsolete, causing mass panic among toys.
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Brokers often list speculative tickets for those tours before an on-sale even starts, hoping some more desperate fans will buy in a panic.
Noun
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Frowning, fidgeting, and exchanging furtive glances—the crowd’s unease was palpable.
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People's own lack of familiarity with data centers contributes to their unease about having one in their local area.
Noun
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In the end, reverence for the likes of Genghis Khan, Hitler, and Attila the Hun mistakes fear for respect, destruction for disruption, and raw terror for true greatness.
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Set five years after the Ghostbusters took the Statue of Liberty for a walk, young, scrappy New Yorkers face a new wave of supernatural terror hitting the Big Apple.
Cite this Entry
“Fear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fear. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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