Synonym Chooser

How is the word afraid different from other adjectives like it?

The words apprehensive and fearful are common synonyms of afraid. While all three words mean "disturbed by fear," afraid often suggests weakness or cowardice and regularly implies inhibition of action or utterance.

afraid to speak the truth

When is it sensible to use apprehensive instead of afraid?

The words apprehensive and afraid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, apprehensive suggests a state of mind and implies a premonition of evil or danger.

apprehensive of being found out

When can fearful be used instead of afraid?

The meanings of fearful and afraid largely overlap; however, fearful implies often a timorous or worrying temperament.

the child is fearful of loud noises

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 afraid Brooksby said Robinson knew he would be caught and was afraid of a SWAT raid on his home. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 27 Sep. 2025 Others, like ace Luis Severino weren’t afraid to share their feelings. Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2025 McComb has a big arm and isn’t afraid to tuck it and run — much like Sorsby. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 26 Sep. 2025 That speaks to the band’s longevity too, not being afraid to try new things. Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for afraid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for afraid
Adjective
  • But other times, a lot of the expressions that people interpret in the film as scared and alarmed or vexed by the invisible forces are the results of things on set that are just bizarre and kind of hilarious.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2025
  • We should be prepared for them, but not to be scared of them.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The frightened campers are supposed to deliver the scares — but that only works as a set-up if the villain is lurking behind the next tree.
    Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Republicans are frightened, too.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Here, Johnny tries to go for it again with that same urgency, only for Gheorghe to insist on gentleness, tenderness, and yes, an actual first kiss, even as Johnny is visibly terrified.
    James Factora, Them., 26 Sep. 2025
  • Captains of industry all look terrified of pissing off the wrong powerful guy.
    Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • At one point, the pup even tried to avoid eye contact and looked away instead, but couldn’t resist glancing back at the cat with nothing but a fearful expression.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • He's questioned his online presence, fearful of feeding the habits of those struggling with screen addiction.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Prime Video series ends with a horrified Daniel looking at Cherry, who's shown smiling at him with her hands calmly resting on very pregnant belly.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Hoffman can’t help but cut me off in horrified pity.
    J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But other times, a lot of the expressions that people interpret in the film as scared and alarmed or vexed by the invisible forces are the results of things on set that are just bizarre and kind of hilarious.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Sep. 2025
  • News of Tesla’s robotaxi plans surprised and alarmed regulators, according to emails among California and federal officials and a Tesla public-policy staffer, which Reuters obtained through a public-records request.
    Chris Kirkham, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • And then at Veejay’s station — well, there are no clothes made yet, and Christian is shocked.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Violence prevention members ‘shocked’ at decision In addition to mockery from gun groups, the program met stiff opposition from its own members and longtime supporters.
    Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The man, a legal researcher who lives legally in the United States, is worried he might be targeted by the federal government for speaking freely.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • As the day progressed though, Marsh became worried again.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Afraid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/afraid. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

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