Thesaurus

dread

Q: How is the word 'dread' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of dread are alarm , fear , fright , panic , terror , and trepidation . While all these words mean "painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger," dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety. // faced the meeting with dread

Q: When is 'alarm' a more appropriate choice than 'dread'?

In some situations, the words alarm and dread are roughly equivalent. However, alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger. // view the situation with alarm

Q: When could 'fear' be used to replace 'dread'?

The meanings of fear and dread largely overlap; however, fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage. // fear of the unknown

Q: In what contexts can 'fright' take the place of 'dread'?

Although the words fright and dread have much in common, fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear. // fright at being awakened suddenly

Q: Where would 'panic' be a reasonable alternative to 'dread'?

The synonyms panic and dread are sometimes interchangeable, but panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity. // the news caused widespread panic

Q: When might 'terror' be a better fit than 'dread'?

While in some cases nearly identical to dread , terror implies the most extreme degree of fear. // immobilized with terror

Q: How do 'trepidation' and 'dread' relate to one another?

Trepidation adds to dread the implications of timidity, trembling, and hesitation. // raised the subject with trepidation

adjective

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Synonyms & Antonyms of dread

(Entry 1 of 3)

causing fear

every ship on the Spanish Main was terrified of running into the dread pirate

Synonyms for dread

Words Related to dread

Near Antonyms for dread

dread

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of dread (Entry 2 of 3)

1 suspicion or fear of future harm or misfortune

the dread felt by people awaiting bad news

Synonyms for dread

Words Related to dread

scruple,
worry

Near Antonyms for dread

2 the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger

we were filled with dread when we saw the rapids we would be rafting down

Synonyms for dread

Words Related to dread

phobia

Near Antonyms for dread

3 something or someone that causes fear or dread especially without reason

speaking in public is a perennial dread for many people

Synonyms for dread

Words Related to dread

dread

verb

Synonyms of dread (Entry 3 of 3)

as in fear, apprehend

Synonyms & Near Synonyms for dread

apprehend,
fear

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Frequently Asked Questions About dread

How is the word dread distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of dread are alarm, fear, fright, panic, terror, and trepidation. While all these words mean "painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger," dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety.

faced the meeting with dread

When is alarm a more appropriate choice than dread?

In some situations, the words alarm and dread are roughly equivalent. However, alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.

view the situation with alarm