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fearfulness

noun

Definition of fearfulnessnext
as in fear
the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger a vet who was adept at easing the fearfulness of her animal patients

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fearfulness
  1. fear
  2. anxiety
  3. dread
Noun
  • Experts say cartels use car bombs to intimidate rivals and authorities, pressure the government and spread fear among civilians.
    — María Verza, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026
  • At each turn, a heartbreaking picture comes into sharper focus, underscoring Ricki’s destructive appetite that exploits Rita’s deepest needs and fears under the guise of friendship and no-judgement sisterhood.
    — Tomris Laffly, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of fear
Noun
  • Off-camera, though, Hansen’s self-loathing and anxiety are off the charts.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Since the assault, the woman has experienced post-traumatic stress disorder, severe anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of anxiety
Noun
  • The mood would be a mix of confidence, desperation and nagging dread.
    — Austin Meek, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Instead, Sega and Creative Assembly have bet on pure atmosphere, dread that runs deeper thanks to more detailed graphics and audio, and of course, letting everyone know the Xenomorph's dynamic AI has evolved too.
    — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of dread
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.

Browse Nearby Words

fearfully
fearfulness
fearing
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Cite this Entry

“Fearfulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fearfulness. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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