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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of afraid
Katie Thurston isn't afraid to share the highs and lows of her ongoing cancer battle.
—
Shania Russell, EW.com, 2 June 2025
Don’t be afraid to replant in a larger vessel once your plants begin to look a little too tight for comfort.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 June 2025
The government has pledged to continue the distribution of these vital drugs, has since rehired many of the people who lost their jobs and has urged the public not to be afraid.
—Viola Kosome, NPR, 1 June 2025
By the third period, Charlotte was in full containment mode while Laval played like a team afraid to make mistakes—the surest sign of a broken opponent.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for afraid
Shania Russell, EW.com, 2 June 2025
Don’t be afraid to replant in a larger vessel once your plants begin to look a little too tight for comfort.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 June 2025
The government has pledged to continue the distribution of these vital drugs, has since rehired many of the people who lost their jobs and has urged the public not to be afraid.
—Viola Kosome, NPR, 1 June 2025
By the third period, Charlotte was in full containment mode while Laval played like a team afraid to make mistakes—the surest sign of a broken opponent.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 1 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for afraid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for afraid
Adjective
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While gold is a popular choice when investors are scared, other alternatives such as infrastructure and real estate offer similar protection.—
Eric Satz,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
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Plus, hearing from the new owners, those dogs have also been scared and skittish around humans.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 May 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
Adjective
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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
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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
Adjective
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The Trump administration’s unprecedented action against Harvard is not the only reason why international college students have become alarmed about their future in the United States.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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But even legal scholars with an expansive view of executive authority have grown alarmed.—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Kenny Francois, the CEO of LETS Community Center in Miami Gardens, which serves the Haitian immigrant community, was shocked to learn of the Supreme Court’s decision.—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
30 May 2025
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The aftermath After the scene, LaBella was left in the wagon alone, feeling shocked, embarrassed and humiliated and holding back tears, the complaint said.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
28 May 2025
Adjective
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Georgia, too, is worried about Ginny's behind-the-scenes machinations.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
7 June 2025
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The freemium search engine Kagi isn't worried about having the most comprehensive index.—
Ryan Whitwam,
ArsTechnica,
6 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Afraid.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/afraid. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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