Thesaurus

fear

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

Some common synonyms of fear are alarm , dread , fright , panic , terror , and trepidation . While all these words mean "painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger," fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage. // fear of the unknown

Q: When might 'alarm' be a better fit than 'fear'?

The words alarm and fear are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger. // view the situation with alarm

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

The synonyms dread and fear are sometimes interchangeable, but 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: Where would 'fright' be a reasonable alternative to 'fear'?

While the synonyms fright and fear are close in meaning, fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear. // fright at being awakened suddenly

Q: When can 'panic' be used instead of 'fear'?

The words panic and fear can be used in similar contexts, but panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity. // the news caused widespread panic

Q: When is 'terror' a more appropriate choice than 'fear'?

In some situations, the words terror and fear are roughly equivalent. However, terror implies the most extreme degree of fear. // immobilized with terror

Q: How are the words 'trepidation' and 'dread' related as synonyms of 'fear'?

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

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of fear

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger

the sight of the headless horseman filled the schoolmaster with fear

Synonyms for fear

Words Related to fear

phobia

Near Antonyms for fear

2 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 for fear

Words Related to fear

Near Antonyms for fear

Antonyms for fear

unconcern

fear

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of fear (Entry 2 of 2)

to experience concern or anxiety

her friends feared that she was dating a guy who was all wrong for her

Synonyms for fear

Words Related to fear

agonize

chafe

despair

Phrases Synonymous with fear

Near Antonyms for fear

Frequently Asked Questions About fear

How is the word fear distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of fear are alarm, dread, fright, panic, terror, and trepidation. While all these words mean "painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger," fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage.

fear of the unknown

When might alarm be a better fit than fear?

The words alarm and fear are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.

view the situation with alarm

In what contexts can dread take the place of fear?

The synonyms dread and fear are sometimes interchangeable, but 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