dreaded; dreading; dreads
1
a
: to fear greatly
can't swim and dreads the water
a dreaded disease
b
archaic
: to regard with awe
2
: to feel extreme reluctance to meet or face
dread the future
dreaded telling him the truth
dread the thought of speaking in public
: to be apprehensive or fearful
dread not
Examples of dread in a Sentence
He can't swim and dreads going in the water.
She dreaded making speeches in front of large audiences.
I dread the day I will have to leave my friends.
I dread the thought of moving next week.
I dread to think about what they might do next.
Recent Examples on the Web
Most actors dread a bad review, but Hannah Waddingham credits the critics for catapulting her to the next phase of her career.
—
K.j. Yossman, Variety, 30 May 2026
When Sunday dread is more than dread Most people experience Sunday scaries occasionally, especially during stressful stretches at work.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026
The vast majority of companies are now using some form of AI to screen applicants, and while many candidates dread the idea of interviewing with AI, there are ways to prepare strategically.
—Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Blackpool boast the highest tally of promotions via this route with six, while Sheffield United fans must dread qualification after 10 unsuccessful attempts to go up, a record.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dread
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.
K.j. Yossman, Variety, 30 May 2026
When Sunday dread is more than dread Most people experience Sunday scaries occasionally, especially during stressful stretches at work.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026
The vast majority of companies are now using some form of AI to screen applicants, and while many candidates dread the idea of interviewing with AI, there are ways to prepare strategically.
—Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Blackpool boast the highest tally of promotions via this route with six, while Sheffield United fans must dread qualification after 10 unsuccessful attempts to go up, a record.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dread
Cite this Entry
“Dread.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dread. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dread
1 of 3 verb1
: to fear greatly
2
: to be very unwilling to meet or face
dread
2 of 3 noun1
a
: great fear especially in the face of approaching harm
b
archaic
: awe entry 1
2
: one causing fear or awe
dread
3 of 3 adjective
: causing great fear or anxiety
a dread disease
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
