dread 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of dreadnext
as in terrifying
causing fear every ship on the Spanish Main was terrified of running into the dread pirate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dread

2 of 3

noun

1
as in worry
suspicion or fear of future harm or misfortune the dread felt by people awaiting bad news

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fear
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 & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in terror
something or someone that causes fear or dread especially without reason speaking in public is a perennial dread for many people

Synonyms & Similar Words

dread

3 of 3

verb

as in to fear

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Synonym Chooser

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

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

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

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

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

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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dread
Adjective
No wonder so many people dread it. —Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025 Hollywood writers often dread getting notes from studio executives about their scripts. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 22 Aug. 2025
Noun
The issue then, is that the mineral UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that create that shield are naturally white powders known to deliver the white cast many of us so dread. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 9 July 2025 Inside the country, optimism and dread wrestle for the soul of a people. —Nazanin Boniadi, Time, 17 June 2025
Verb
Villarreal shifts smoothly between characters, weaving an atmosphere of dread and wonder that lingers long after listening. —Audiofile Magazine september 30, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2025 Nonetheless, Lloyd's production is handsomely realized, with striking silhouetttes courtesy of Jon Clark and unnerving sound design by Ben and Max Ringham, who add a low whirr of dread to the existential fable. —Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dread
  1. terrifying
  2. worry
  3. fear
  4. terror
  5. frightening
  6. anxiety
  7. plague
  8. scary
Adjective
  • The home of Red October used to be a terrifying place for opponents this time of year.
    — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • With an all-star cast featuring Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, and Rachel Sennott, Bodies is a terrifying and darkly atmospheric ride that could become a new classic.
    — Samantha Allen, Them., 7 Oct. 2025
Definition of terrifying
Noun
  • Shanen Wright, 48, a lifelong Charleston resident who lives near CAMC Memorial, said many in the city have little worry about flooding in the face of more immediate problems, like the opioid epidemic and the decline of manufacturing and mining.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Rising worries During the Milken Institute Asia Summit, other experts warned that retail inflows could distort pricing, erode returns and destabilize fund structures designed for long-term investments or patient capital.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
Definition of worry
Noun
  • The fear was that Jayden Daniels would be limited, that the brace on his left knee — or the knee itself — would hinder his running or his elusiveness, eliminate his quick cuts or somehow slow him down.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Colangelo added that, in these depictions, the fear of transness is more present than the fear of being killed.
    — Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 7 Oct. 2025
Definition of fear
Noun
  • What happened next, according to first responders, Jasper's aunt Amber Rosen, churchgoers, hospital officials and family members of those impacted, is a blur of violence and terror with the pop-pop-pop of an assault weapon and thick black smoke from fire hanging in the air.
    — Georgea Kovanis, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The suspect behind the deadly car and knife terror attack outside a synagogue in Manchester in the United Kingdom on Thursday has been identified by police as Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent.
    — Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Definition of terror
Adjective
  • What began as a hiking trip with friends on the breathtaking slopes of on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest turned into a frightening ordeal for 30-year-old Feng Holiday, after a rare October blizzard left her and hundreds of hikers stranded in treacherous conditions.
    — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Meanwhile, the movie's kinetic animation and Ichabod's rubbery physicality playfully contrast with the truly frightening Horseman and his flaming pumpkin.
    — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025
Definition of frightening
Noun
  • Other benefits of acupuncture were pain intensity reduction, an improvement of physical functions, and fewer anxiety symptoms.
    — Ashley J. DiMella, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The stress among the friend group about their costume theme is giving me more anxiety than a haunted hayride.
    — Melissa Willets, Parents, 4 Oct. 2025
Definition of anxiety
Noun
  • What this means is that the vineyard is less susceptible to the pests that plague vines around the world.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Marvel Zombies — Now Streaming on Disney+ After the Avengers are overtaken by a zombie plague, a desperate group of survivors discover the key to bringing an end to the super-powered undead, racing across a dystopian landscape and risking life and limb to save their world.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2025
Definition of plague
Adjective
  • While some corn mazes are perfect for all ages and include activities especially for younger kids, others are more grown-up and may prove too scary or challenging for little ones.
    — Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The new generation can’t afford to stay in the game, which is scary.
    — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
Definition of scary

Browse Nearby Words

drays
dread
dreaded
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Cite this Entry

“Dread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dread. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dread

Nglish: Translation of dread for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dread

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