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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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fearful
Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 May 2025
Their circle of friendship became a haven in a totalitarian state that sought to isolate individuals, instill fear and transform these estranged and fearful people into part of a mass society.
—Peter Nguyen, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
But the hauling and dumping operation has led to a dramatic fallout between county officials and Tujunga residents and is another example of a community fearful of accepting debris related to the Eaton and Palisades fires.
—Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Victim fearful of ex-boyfriend In court documents, Garcia-Molina described how Nathan stalked her after their five-month relationship, which ended in November 2024.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fearful
Adjective
However, the majority of Americans are still fearful about the possibility of a recession.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 May 2025
Their circle of friendship became a haven in a totalitarian state that sought to isolate individuals, instill fear and transform these estranged and fearful people into part of a mass society.
—Peter Nguyen, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
But the hauling and dumping operation has led to a dramatic fallout between county officials and Tujunga residents and is another example of a community fearful of accepting debris related to the Eaton and Palisades fires.
—Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Victim fearful of ex-boyfriend In court documents, Garcia-Molina described how Nathan stalked her after their five-month relationship, which ended in November 2024.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fearful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fearful
Adjective
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The family eventually crosses paths with a corrupt theme-park operator (John Ortiz), his sheriff (Colin Hanks) and a terrifying crime boss (Sharon Stone) before chaos ensues.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
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The additional terrifying factor was that the plane had only three minutes of fuel left — and Cruise had still not gotten up.—
Antonia Blyth,
Deadline,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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The Makos athletes also noticed that their parents were timid around water.—
Tribune News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 May 2025
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Haney looked timid and afraid for the first four rounds before finding his legs and winning a unanimous decision in a lackluster fight with Jose Ramirez.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
4 May 2025
Adjective
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In the game, the station is in the bright sunlight, and the subway tunnel experience takes a lot longer, and isn’t quite as intense.—
Adam B. Vary,
Variety,
5 May 2025
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And, George, Elon Musk told reporters this week it's been a very intense 100 days.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 May 2025
Adjective
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Why are the Cleveland Guardians so afraid of letting Ben Lively pitch into the sixth inning or the third time through a batting order?—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
12 May 2025
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And remember: Don't ever be afraid to give it a good shake.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
12 May 2025
Noun
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The Albanian people deserve free elections, not another manipulated outcome enforced through fear and political imprisonment.—
Beth Bailey,
FOXNews.com,
10 May 2025
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Krystal Sieben took her children to a horse ranch and watched as her 8-year-old son with autism, racked with fear, was on the verge of tears.—
Talia McWright,
Twin Cities,
10 May 2025
Adjective
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These frightening and repulsive actions represent the most significant breach on our Capitol in over two hundred years.—
Sonam Sheth
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
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Mellencamp's frightening diagnosis, though, hasn't stopped her resolve.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
8 May 2025
Adjective
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Every celebrity — no matter how small — had at least one stalker or someone obsessed with them, and no fan was creepier or scarier than the ones obsessed with child stars.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
14 May 2025
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Here’s a scary scenario: You’ve been put in charge of air traffic control at Newark airport near New York.—
Steve Nadis,
Quanta Magazine,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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With 4 million packages a day passing through American gateways using the de minimis exception, and around half of those shipments hailing from China, CBP is now contending with a much more intensive entry process for small shipments than it’s been accustomed to.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
13 May 2025
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The department conducts an annual review of each state, and a more intensive one that’s supposed to be completed roughly every five years.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fearful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fearful. Accessed 18 May. 2025.
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