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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of afraid
Wilson wasn't afraid to show a hint of skin, as the jacket had a plunging, cleavage-baring neckline and stomach cutouts.
—
Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 9 May 2025
But one thing is clear: Škoda isn’t afraid to trade four wheels for two.
—Utkarsh Sood, New Atlas, 9 May 2025
Don’t be afraid to introduce contrast through light and dark tones or a bold pop of color with an artful object.
—Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2025
Don’t be afraid of just pausing for a second — this could be a great time for more dirty talk or caressing — particularly once the whole hand is inside.
—Quispe López, Them., 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for afraid
Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 9 May 2025
But one thing is clear: Škoda isn’t afraid to trade four wheels for two.
—Utkarsh Sood, New Atlas, 9 May 2025
Don’t be afraid to introduce contrast through light and dark tones or a bold pop of color with an artful object.
—Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2025
Don’t be afraid of just pausing for a second — this could be a great time for more dirty talk or caressing — particularly once the whole hand is inside.
—Quispe López, Them., 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for afraid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for afraid
Adjective
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Well, Netflix has found another one of these aspirational gurus who are scared to die and are willing to go to extreme lengths to preserve their physique — at any cost.—
Rebecca Aizin,
People.com,
16 May 2025
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For those scared by fierce job-taking AI, develop new skills (particularly for operating different AI testing tools), and nothing will replace you in the labor market.—
Oleg Sadikov,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Adjective
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These failures in public safety have led to stories from frightened educators, anxious students, and unsafe conditions for our city’s public school communities.—
Savanah Jackson,
New York Daily News,
27 Apr. 2025
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Were there any moments on set where people were seriously quite frightened?—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Burnsville officers went to Warren’s home around 9:30 a.m. after her sister called 911, explaining that Warren had called her during a fearful moment, deputies said.—
Mike Stunson,
Kansas City Star,
13 May 2025
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Without psychological safety, however, discomfort, conflict and ruthless competition can lead to a fearful workforce.—
Sanjeev Menon,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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But even legal scholars with an expansive view of executive authority have grown alarmed.—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
25 Apr. 2025
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Garcia, like many of us, is alarmed that these deportations aren’t just to a foreign country, but into a prison where a government official once said the only way out was in a coffin.—
Anita Chabria,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Merz, visibly shocked, rose to confer with colleagues.—
Kirsti Knolle,
USA Today,
7 May 2025
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The co-worker’s laughter turned into a shocked expression after seeing the winning ticket.—
Mike Stunson,
Kansas City Star,
6 May 2025
Adjective
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Elsewhere in the episode, Torre reported that Belichick’s family members are among those who are worried about his relationship with Hudson, which was first made public last June.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
13 May 2025
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Nearly two-thirds (63%) are worried about global warming and 37% are not.—
Robert G. Eccles,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Afraid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/afraid. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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