1
as in terrifying
causing fear
the fearful roar of a lion
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
According to Knight, her demeanor didn’t line up with someone who was allegedly fearful or traumatized by her past association with Diddy.
—
Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 28 May 2025
Photos of Blossom, a dog foster and later adopted by the Haug's, becoming more confident after being fearful and scared of humans.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
In Bolland’s judgment, Duffy was fearful of unlocking the past and thus naming and confronting his acts.
—Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
That ambiguity has left Venezuelan immigrants with TPS not only fearful but also confused.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fearful
Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 28 May 2025
Photos of Blossom, a dog foster and later adopted by the Haug's, becoming more confident after being fearful and scared of humans.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
In Bolland’s judgment, Duffy was fearful of unlocking the past and thus naming and confronting his acts.
—Sarah Beckwith, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
That ambiguity has left Venezuelan immigrants with TPS not only fearful but also confused.
—Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for fearful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fearful
Adjective
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More: Ukraine drone attack shows familiar-looking drones can be terrifying weapons How does the Pentagon, which spends nearly a trillion dollars a year on defense, have such a vulnerability?—
Tom Vanden Brook,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
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An apocalyptic wasteland ruled by savage bands of outlaws or a horny computer dork's bedroom — which is more terrifying?—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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The confident smile the until then timid Giulio wears on his face as a result is equally cliched.—
Tomris Laffly,
Variety,
25 May 2025
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The slope of that ramp makes Pike’s Peak look timid.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 May 2025
Adjective
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Healthy people can still experience short-term symptoms like fever, intense headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
12 June 2025
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Stark images of burning vehicles, rioters spraying painting cars with expletives and the intense back and forth between President Donald Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom over how local law enforcement is handling the problems have been among the topics of conversation.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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Suspect's family detained: Wife, 5 children deportation Jewish community on edge: Amid ongoing attacks, Jewish people are afraid.—
John Bacon,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
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On the experimental end, the label isn’t afraid to push boundaries, as evidenced by Magnificent Little Dudes, a captivating collaboration between Japanese ambient artist Chihei Hatakeyama and jazz drummer Shun Ishiwaka.—
Steve Baltin,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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The ensuing action is gory and frightening — and even Wong got a little spooked by Hawkins.—
Eric Andersson,
People.com,
31 May 2025
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This is incredibly damaging to career prospects and, given how little knowledge exists in mainstream medical and occupational health circles, can feel confusing and frightening for those who don’t know where to turn for advice.—
Nancy Doyle,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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Make that the second scariest, as Claire’s antics bring another menacing character into their lives, when her dealer, Jackie (Domhnall Gleeson), shows up at Echo Valley looking for 10 grand in heroin.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
7 June 2025
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Not only is sitting on the potty all by yourself a little bit scary, but nobody likes putting play to a stop to use the potty, either.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Ware picked up all the cases while on intensive supervised release after serving three years and three months for aiding and abetting first-degree robbery out of Hennepin County.—
Nick Ferraro,
Twin Cities,
6 June 2025
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Russia used a Tu-160 in intensive overnight missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, Kyiv's air force said on Friday.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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Horses are naturally skittish animals that can easily become frightened and bolt.—
Moná Thomas,
People.com,
27 May 2025
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Footage from the immediate aftermath captured mothers and fathers clutching children on their hips, running through the mist of water dousing the flames, while frightened dogs scrambled alongside them.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fearful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fearful. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.
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