1
as in anxiety
the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger
the sight of the headless horseman filled the schoolmaster with fear
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in worry
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble
fear for her family's safety drove her to seek help from neighbors she hardly knew
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to worry
to experience concern or anxiety
her friends feared that she was dating a guy who was all wrong for her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of fear
Fernando Narro Roman,
NPR,
28 June 2026
For years, Israel never officially broached the subject for fear of angering Turkey, but that relationship has soured over the past two decades, especially as the most recent wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran have dragged on.
—
ABC News,
28 June 2026
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2026
An alliance of conservative business leaders and ministers feared a loss of influence in this new political and social reality.
—
David Mislin,
The Conversation,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for fear
Noun
The weather is humid and in some areas, there is already a strong smell of decay, raising fears of a growing public health crisis.
—
Fernando Narro Roman,
NPR,
28 June 2026
For years, Israel never officially broached the subject for fear of angering Turkey, but that relationship has soured over the past two decades, especially as the most recent wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran have dragged on.
—
ABC News,
28 June 2026
Verb
Thousands are feared dead in Venezuela after two massive earthquakes, but a former MLB pitcher is one of the lucky ones.
—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
26 June 2026
An alliance of conservative business leaders and ministers feared a loss of influence in this new political and social reality.
—
David Mislin,
The Conversation,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for fear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fear
Noun
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If that conversation also seems too anxiety-provoking, focus on modes of communication that do feel accessible to you.
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The resulting anxiety and panic are an unfortunate side effect of a banner year for fireworks shows.
Noun
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Any worries about complacency were wiped away in the third minute when Auston Trusty fired home the opening goal and caused the stands at SoFi Stadium to shake (literally) with the noise and jumping fans.
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Reformation’s move toward the open market also signals that the time might be right — with Wall Street hitting all-time highs despite worries about inflation and AI — for fashion to jump in.
Noun
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Great productions of Sondheim musicals, and this is one of those, always fill you with a certain existential dread.
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Dong recalled that dread ran deep because his tiny boat might capsize if the winds and waves picked up.
Noun
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Newsom has not said if the newer version of the bill quells this concern.
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Still, British politics could become a more pressing concern for the bond market with Burnham at the helm.
Noun
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The resulting anxiety and panic are an unfortunate side effect of a banner year for fireworks shows.
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Sandy has taken flight, but not without sending eagle-eyed viewers of the Friends of Big Bear Valley eagle nest cam into a Sunday-morning panic.
Noun
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Over several years, Williams and the team explored how avatars modeled on West African masks were able to avoid the uncanny valley, that unease people feel when something almost-human turns out not to be.
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Frowning, fidgeting, and exchanging furtive glances—the crowd’s unease was palpable.
Noun
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Thibault in a news conference Tuesday said that authorities believe the incident was not related to terror.
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Meanwhile, frightful aftershocks continued to rock the area, sowing terror in a population already reaching the limits of endurance.
Cite this Entry
“Fear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fear. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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