Synonyms of fear

fear 1 of 2

noun

ˈfir 

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

• anxiety
• fearfulness
• dread
• panic
• terror
• fright
• worry
• horror
• trepidation
• scare
• concern
• dismay
• alarm
• phobia
• nervousness
• alarum
• pang
• apprehension
• agitation
• creeps
• jitters
• consternation
• twinge
• timidity
• perturbation
• cowardice
• disquiet
• qualm
• funk
• willies
• discomposure
• faintheartedness
• timorousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confidence
• assurance
• boldness
• courage
• self-confidence
• fearlessness
• aplomb
• daring
• fortitude
• bravery
• self-assurance
• valor
• intrepidity
• gallantry
• stoutness
• hardihood
• nerve
• audacity
• guts
• intrepidness
• dauntlessness
• courageousness
• doughtiness

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

• worry
• anxiety
• concern
• unease
• concernment
• fearfulness
• uncertainty
• uneasiness
• apprehension
• nervousness
• agitation
• disquietude
• disquiet
• apprehensiveness
• perturbation
• discomfort
• panic
• tension
• dread
• doubt
• anxiousness
• solicitude
• desperation
• sweat
• care
• stress
• anguish
• nervosity
• agita
• dismay
• distress
• desperateness
• tremor
• disturbance
• consternation
• jitters
• angst
• upset
• alarm
• torment
• suspense
• strain
• misgiving
• distraction
• vexation
• discomposure
• qualm
• compunction
• edginess
• presentiment
• jumpiness
• franticness
• hand-wringing
• alarum
• foreboding
• scruple
• cold feet
• incertitude

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unconcern
• ease
• peace
• contentment
• content
• tranquillity
• calmness
• calm
• serenity
• tranquility
• easiness
• relief
• quietude
• quiet
• peacefulness
• placidity
• comfort
• consolation
• solace
• placidness
• sereneness
• tranquilness

fear

2 of 2

verb

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

• worry
• fret
• trouble
• stress
• sweat
• bother
• care a hang
• stew
• fuss
• sweat blood
• despair
• give a hang
• long
• pine
• agonize
• yearn
• chafe

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• accept
• endure
• tolerate
• take
• bear
• sustain
• abide
• stomach
• stick out

Synonym Chooser

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

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

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

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

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of fear

Noun

Several top Trump administration officials sold off stock market holdings in the days leading up to the president’s announcements of sweeping tariffs that sparked fears of a global trade war and rattled financial markets. —Suhail Bhat, USA Today, 22 July 2025

Then again, her dreams of being a successful actor and comedian are dashed by an unwavering fear of public speaking (and lack of talent). —Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 21 July 2025

Verb

The emotional labor of monitoring your words and actions, fearing accidental disclosure, or worrying about potential fallout can lead to chronic anxiety. —Elizabeth Pearson, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025

Consumers, fearing tariffs would indeed hike prices, raced to purchase new vehicles, with car companies stockpiling inventory in anticipation of the cost and demand increases. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 22 July 2025