1
as in terrifying
causing fear
the fearful roar of a lion
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2
as in timid
easily frightened
the stray cat that we took in is still fearful, even around us
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3
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
the fearful wind and cold simply made being outside a miserable experience
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fearful
Here’s what communication experts told Fortune about how managers should address an increasingly fearful atmosphere around immigration in the U.S.
—
Brit Morse, Fortune, 19 June 2025
Many Chicagoans still harbor deep distrust of the police, while the city’s officers are demoralized and fearful about what awaits them on streets where bad actors have no fear of law enforcement.
—Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
The better-than-expected inflation reading is welcome news for Americans worn down by the higher cost of living and who are fearful of whether tariffs will drive that higher.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 11 June 2025
Fed officials have been reluctant to move, fearful that tariffs Trump implemented this year could cause inflation in the coming months.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fearful
Brit Morse, Fortune, 19 June 2025
Many Chicagoans still harbor deep distrust of the police, while the city’s officers are demoralized and fearful about what awaits them on streets where bad actors have no fear of law enforcement.
—Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
The better-than-expected inflation reading is welcome news for Americans worn down by the higher cost of living and who are fearful of whether tariffs will drive that higher.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 11 June 2025
Fed officials have been reluctant to move, fearful that tariffs Trump implemented this year could cause inflation in the coming months.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for fearful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fearful
Adjective
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The terrifying moment that passengers were made to put on oxygen masks was captured on video.—
Latoya Gayle,
People.com,
1 July 2025
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When the body of a young man is found eerily staged in the idyllic Scottish wilderness, detective Monica Kennedy fears this is just the beginning of a terrifying campaign that will strike the heart of a rural community.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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Putin played the timid souls of these make-America-weak policymakers like a violin.—
Steve Forbes,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
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Although timid at first, Sarah has now let her personality shine.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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Anybody who thought Messi would rest after the intense international tournament does not know Messi.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
6 July 2025
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During the 1995 heat wave, many of the casualties were seniors who didn’t have family or neighbors to check in on them, especially those living in high-rise buildings where the heat was particularly intense.—
Adriana Pérez,
Chicago Tribune,
6 July 2025
Adjective
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The premise is that America is caught in a bind between a political left that’s too afraid of growth and a political right that hates government investment and involvement.—
Scott Peters,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 July 2025
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The revelation helps explain why the giant snakes — which can grow to 18 feet in Florida — are not afraid to swallow creatures that are nearly equal in size, experts say.—
Mark Price
July 11,
Miami Herald,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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The great outdoors can be a big and frightening place, especially for cats who have only seen it from the safety of the great indoors.—
Joan Morris,
Mercury News,
7 July 2025
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Moreover, if their environment is unpredictable, frightening, or volatile, some children learn that any disagreement could lead to danger and try to bury their feelings to avoid conflict and maintain a sense of peace.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Parents,
7 July 2025
Adjective
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The 24-year-old is only going to get better, and that's a scary thing for the league.—
Ricardo Klein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 June 2025
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This was in the days when only lunatics or scary white punks had shaved heads.—
Hilton Als,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Designed to withstand intensive training, Lacoste’s abrasion-resistant piqué fabric is made with Ultra Dry moisture-wicking technology for more breathable wear.—
Lauren Alexis Fisher,
Footwear News,
27 June 2025
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Oftentimes, enrolling in an intensive language program qualifies someone for a student visa, depending on the requirements of that country (more on that later).—
Chloe Arrojado,
AFAR Media,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Audience noises at the NRG Stadium in Houston went from frightened gasps to applause as the descent was completed.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
29 June 2025
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Things were hectic in the mall, Stain, 45, said, with lots of frightened people running to the exits.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fearful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fearful. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.
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