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
In both cases, the more skeptical (or even fearful) member of each couple is confronted by bad behavior from their counterpart.
—
Todd Gilchrist, IndieWire, 7 May 2026
In Australia, a wide-ranging inquiry commission examining antisemitism after a massacre at a Hanukkah celebration heard this week from Jews who said escalating hatred has left them fearful and vulnerable.
—David Crary, Fortune, 6 May 2026
That day, Beverley purchased a supply of heroin for her son, fearful that he would be arrested during the purchase, PEOPLE reported in 1996.
—Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026
But, fearful of another attack, classes were cancelled for a week.
—Molly Hunter, NBC news, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for fearful
Todd Gilchrist, IndieWire, 7 May 2026
In Australia, a wide-ranging inquiry commission examining antisemitism after a massacre at a Hanukkah celebration heard this week from Jews who said escalating hatred has left them fearful and vulnerable.
—David Crary, Fortune, 6 May 2026
That day, Beverley purchased a supply of heroin for her son, fearful that he would be arrested during the purchase, PEOPLE reported in 1996.
—Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 6 May 2026
But, fearful of another attack, classes were cancelled for a week.
—Molly Hunter, NBC news, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for fearful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fearful
Adjective
-
The tech is terrifying, but it’s treated matter-of-factly, played for barked laughs.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
Michael Johnston and Inde Navarrette star as the main couple, Bear and Nikki, who fall victim to the One Wish Willow, a wish-granting toy with terrifying results.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
16 May 2026
Adjective
-
Your favorite team probably doesn’t use them much, if at all, because they’re considered extremely difficult and most GMs are timid babies who are afraid of getting yelled at.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
That bill is a direct response to a Supreme Court that handed the executive branch a dangerous blank check and a Congress too timid to push back.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
What sets this masa harina apart is its distinct, intense corn flavor.—
Inés Anguiano,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
13 May 2026
-
Being confined to a wooden chair, wearing that impressive multilayered costume, in the intense heat of Gran Canaria.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Adjective
-
At the same time, a boy named Henry, who also had to evacuate, is afraid of dogs.—
Victoria Edel,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
-
Native to the Mediterranean, lavender is not afraid of the summer heat.—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
Such obsession can be a frightening emotion both for the person experiencing it and for the target.—
Alex Barasch,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
-
Even more frightening is a judge apologizing to an assassin who risked the lives of 2,000 people while attempting to assassinate the president and his cabinet.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Rice University’s Kinder Institute study found that newcomer students in the kindergarten through fifth grade age range who are eligible for intensive newcomer English programs experience a measurable academic boost, lasting up to three years after eligibility.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 May 2026
-
And it is currently made, almost everywhere in the world, through a process that is energy-intensive, waste-heavy, and engineered for an environment with almost no environmental regulation.—
Afdhel Aziz,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
The Americans in that Nebraska unit are isolated and frightened.—
Craig Spencer,
STAT,
13 May 2026
-
While one held the frightened animal’s head, the other — wearing a sweatshirt with an image of the Virgin Mary — applied the iron to a horn.—
Susanne Rust
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Adjective
-
Similar to human drivers, Zoox's AI and safety systems aren't infallible, but the test ride vehicle didn't exhibit any odd behaviors that seemed problematic or scary for occupants.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
-
Taking a driverless robotaxi to the airport still feels a bit scary for many people.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fearful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fearful. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
