1
as in terrifying
causing fear
the fearful roar of a lion
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in timid
easily frightened
the stray cat that we took in is still fearful, even around us
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3
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
the fearful wind and cold simply made being outside a miserable experience
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4
as in afraid
filled with fear or dread
fearful of venturing out onto the dark highway, the stranded motorist decided to wait in the car for help
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fearful
Family members say the arrest has left them devastated and fearful.
—
Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Regardless, its management is fearful of having ICE show up, having seen the chaos that has ensued in other raids.
—Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 12 June 2025
As the Republican Party braces for aftershocks from President Donald Trump’s spectacular clash with Elon Musk, lawmakers and conservative figures are urging détente, fearful of the potential consequences from a prolonged feud.
—Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
That has put greater attention on the employment data, with investors fearful that upcoming reports will start to show consumers and businesses crumbling under the weight of tariffs.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fearful
Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
Regardless, its management is fearful of having ICE show up, having seen the chaos that has ensued in other raids.
—Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 12 June 2025
As the Republican Party braces for aftershocks from President Donald Trump’s spectacular clash with Elon Musk, lawmakers and conservative figures are urging détente, fearful of the potential consequences from a prolonged feud.
—Chris Megerian, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025
That has put greater attention on the employment data, with investors fearful that upcoming reports will start to show consumers and businesses crumbling under the weight of tariffs.
—Sarah Min, CNBC, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fearful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fearful
Adjective
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More: Ukraine drone attack shows familiar-looking drones can be terrifying weapons How does the Pentagon, which spends nearly a trillion dollars a year on defense, have such a vulnerability?—
Tom Vanden Brook,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
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An apocalyptic wasteland ruled by savage bands of outlaws or a horny computer dork's bedroom — which is more terrifying?—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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At the time, David was a bit timid around dogs and initially kept his distance.—
Jordan Greene,
People.com,
3 June 2025
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In the film, Colin, a timid man is swept off his feet when Ray, an enigmatic, impossibly handsome biker takes him on as his submissive.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
29 May 2025
Adjective
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Recognizing that gulf is a sad thing for her, and Huston holds Anderson’s intense close-ups with an expression both loving and rueful at once. 40.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
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Stark images of burning vehicles, rioters spraying painting cars with expletives and the intense back and forth between President Donald Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom over how local law enforcement is handling the problems have been among the topics of conversation.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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Like Tracy, the high school student, Jordan was afraid of the overpass.—
Ariane Lange,
Sacbee.com,
17 June 2025
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She’s Got No Name marks a definite shift in tone and mood for the 40-year veteran who has never been afraid of jumping genres, from the romance of Comrades: Almost a Love Story (1996) to the action of The Warlords (2007) and on to the comedy of American Dreams in China (2013).—
Mathew Scott,
HollywoodReporter,
16 June 2025
Adjective
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Critics of the administration’s tactics, including former Homeland Security officials, said the White House’s strategy boils down to frightening immigrants into leaving on their own.—
Andrea Castillo,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2025
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The frightening incident unfolded aboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas cruise ship on June 8.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.—
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2025
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Is 'Jaws' the scariest film of all time? Watch it once or hundreds of times and the scare seems fresh every time, says Dawn Keetley, editor of the journal Horror Studies and professor of English and film at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.—
Marco della Cava,
USA Today,
19 June 2025
Adjective
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Meta is also making major investments in geothermal technology as a less fossil fuel–intensive way to generate power.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
19 June 2025
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Apex scavengers are disproportionately affected by activities like intensive livestock production, land use changes and the wildlife trade.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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Horses are naturally skittish animals that can easily become frightened and bolt.—
Moná Thomas,
People.com,
27 May 2025
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Footage from the immediate aftermath captured mothers and fathers clutching children on their hips, running through the mist of water dousing the flames, while frightened dogs scrambled alongside them.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fearful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fearful. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.
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