terror

Definition of terrornext

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 The rawness and terror of that first year was so visceral and embodied. Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel details the real life terrors at the Dozier School for Boys in Florida. Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026 The safety is what unlocks the willingness to be terrified, and the terror is where the thrill lives. Dr. Marcus Collins, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 With the film out on Netflix now, IndieWire spoke to the Ambriz brothers about the difficult process funding the film, balancing terror with accessibility for kids, and how Guillermo del Toro mentored them as filmmakers. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for terror
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terror
Noun
  • There are highs and lows, angels and demons.
    Steve Buckley, New York Times, 23 June 2026
  • Davion Mitchell is a defensive demon.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • As Kennedy and Bessette spend more time together and grow closer, her intimidation of the spotlight and fear of invasive paparazzi often create tension in their relationship, despite his attempts to calm the situation.
    Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026
  • Throughout the whole battle, that’s when fear really sets in for Jace.
    Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Sore from the torment of her family’s banishment, Espinoza feels the pulse of current events.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Many a knave is rich, sleek, and honored, while the just man is poor, hated, and in torment.
    Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • As burnout, anxiety and digital overload continue to climb, many are discovering that recovery requires doing less—not more.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • 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.
    Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • Only rush-hour traffic and $20 tacos inspire the same level of dread.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2026
  • 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.
    Griffin Dunne, Vulture, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • With the rise of tablets and tech worldwide, toys have begun to become obsolete, causing mass panic among toys.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
  • Brokers often list speculative tickets for those tours before an on-sale even starts, hoping some more desperate fans will buy in a panic.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Terror.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terror. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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