1
as in terrifying
causing fear
the fearful roar of a lion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in timid
easily frightened
the stray cat that we took in is still fearful, even around us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
the fearful wind and cold simply made being outside a miserable experience
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in afraid
filled with fear or dread
fearful of venturing out onto the dark highway, the stranded motorist decided to wait in the car for help
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 fearful
The economy has largely hummed along so far this year, defying doomsday warnings from many forecasters fearful of the effects of levies.
—
Max Zahn, ABC News, 30 July 2025
But shows with loud sounds or human conflict could stress out a fearful dog.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2025
These fearful Americans have been persuaded by frantic voices that the end of their world is near.
—For The Carroll County Times, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2025
Overwhelmed and fearful of her future, Milena disappears.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fearful
Max Zahn, ABC News, 30 July 2025
But shows with loud sounds or human conflict could stress out a fearful dog.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2025
These fearful Americans have been persuaded by frantic voices that the end of their world is near.
—For The Carroll County Times, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2025
Overwhelmed and fearful of her future, Milena disappears.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fearful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fearful
Adjective
-
What to know about the committee’s investigation into Epstein. 'Like a horror movie' Exhausting, terrifying and like something out of a horror movie.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
20 Aug. 2025
-
These Phillies have faced various forms of adversity in recent years, and none of it rises to this — their ace sidelined by a terrifying blood clot six weeks from the start of another postseason filled with great expectations.—
Matt Gelb,
New York Times,
19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Arab governments that for decades have been fierce advocates for the Palestinian cause are now facing criticism for their timid response to the extreme suffering in Gaza caused by Israel's war, risking a dangerous rift with their increasingly restive citizens.—
Mo Abbas,
NBC news,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Known for its timid and gentle nature, the snake is semiaquatic and nocturnal, feeding on earthworms in captivity.—
Real-Time News team,
Miami Herald,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The dog days of summer brought intense heat to the Volunteer State, including a nearly month-long streak of 90-degree days in July, the fifth longest in Nashville’s history, said the weather service.—
Diana Leyva,
The Tennessean,
23 Aug. 2025
-
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the symptoms of a snake bite differ depending on the species, but common signs near the wound include puncture marks, bleeding, redness, swelling, bruising, blistering and intense pain.—
Tina Chen,
Mercury News,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Make sure to water regularly, especially in warmer months, and don’t be afraid to switch out plants seasonally to keep your containers fresh.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Don’t be afraid to give your rooms multiple purposes Take advantage of the various nooks and crannies in your home.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Amy Madigan’s striking performance is both funny and frightening, her witch an ancient, otherworldly being that only really understands power.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
11 Aug. 2025
-
Chad Michael Murray's journey to acting began with a frightening trip to the hospital.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
10 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
No one seems to know, and that might be the scariest part.—
Aaron Gleeman,
New York Times,
18 Aug. 2025
-
After work stress triggered a scary incident, Kelly Benthall retired at 53 and now hopscotches around the world living in Airbnbs with her husband.—
Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Residents learn to care for critically ill patients, a process that demands intensive hours, extensive study outside of work to prepare for cases, and the emotional resilience to confront life-and-death situations daily.—
Richard Menger MD MPA,
Forbes.com,
18 Aug. 2025
-
Musicians are also drawn here; the historic Sewanee Summer Music Festival, a month-long training intensive, stages concerts each summer, and the University Choir performs every Sunday at All Saints’ Chapel during the academic year.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
School staff gathered the students in the cafeteria during the lockdown and tried to keep the frightened kids calm, said a school employee who refused to give an Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reporter their name.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
20 Aug. 2025
-
Investigators believe other potential victims may be too frightened to report similar attacks.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fearful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fearful. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share