Synonyms of afraid

afraid

adjective

ə-ˈfrād 

as in scared

filled with fear or dread

Melissa is afraid of flying, so she takes a train from Boston to visit her brother in Chicago

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scared
• frightened
• terrified
• fearful
• horrified
• alarmed
• shocked
• worried
• upset
• spooked
• hysteric
• aghast
• startled
• nervous
• affrighted
• scary
• anxious
• panicked
• apprehensive
• timid
• appalled
• terrorized
• hysterical
• disturbed
• horror-struck
• wary
• timorous
• shrinking
• panicky
• shy
• agitated
• perturbed
• phobic
• intimidated
• uneasy
• disquieted
• cautious
• careful
• fainthearted
• disconcerted
• coward
• tremulous
• dismayed
• daunted
• jumpy
• jittery
• cowardly
• fearsome
• cowed
• chicken
• funky
• unnerved
• skittish
• craven
• panic-stricken
• pusillanimous
• gutless
• unadventurous
• tremulant
• heedful
• prudent
• lily-livered

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unafraid
• fearless
• daring
• adventurous
• brave
• bold
• spirited
• audacious
• sure
• courageous
• venturesome
• gutsy
• confident
• adventuresome
• daredevil
• plucky
• hardy
• dashing
• spunky
• valiant
• heroic
• intrepid
• collected
• composed
• stout
• gallant
• assured
• stalwart
• cool
• venturous
• valorous
• sanguine
• unperturbed
• resolute
• undaunted
• dauntless
• stouthearted
• heroical
• manful
• lionhearted

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

Recent Examples of afraid

People in neighborhood are afraid, candidates say The Republican candidate seeking Hortman’s seat, real estate agent Ruth Bittner, noticed early in her campaign that people in the neighborhood where Hortman was killed seemed afraid to open their doors. —Mark Vancleave, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025

Rashid also said that Chiu wasn’t afraid to look to more eclectic works for potential purchases. —Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025

Jodie Elliott of Milwaukee, who is not a part of the Latino community, attended the rally to show strength for those who may be afraid to speak out. —Alyssa N. Salcedo, jsonline.com, 13 Sep. 2025

If Heather is so afraid, why didn’t anyone else have the guts to confront her? —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2025