PHOBIA Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

phobia

noun

Definition of phobia

as in panic

an extremely strong dislike or fear of someone or something His fear of crowds eventually developed into a phobia.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 phobia In his foundational research, Bandura demonstrated this through a now-famous series of studies involving individuals with severe phobias of snakes. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2026 This, Wright imagined, was one way Proxi might display its analysis of players’ minds, an aerial map of loves, phobias, triumphs, losses, pets, and near misses plus all the associations connecting them. — Eric Boodman, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2026 In Atlanta, some people living with SAD, as well as social phobia or even simple shyness, are facing their fears in a novel way. — Hunter Boyce, AJC.com, 24 Mar. 2026 Also, those with insect phobias should consider this when planning a visit. — Jessie Schiewe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for phobia

Recent Examples of Synonyms for phobia

Noun

Additionally, this language can quickly turn curiosity into accusation while urgency escalates into panic.

— Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Signing Wissa for double their original bid smacked of panic.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of panic

Noun

Mayra Velasquez was charged with capital murder by terror threat on Friday, July 17, according to prison records seen by PEOPLE.

— Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
In line with the episode’s gothic theme, the women’s smiles, while somewhat genuine, carry a hint of terror.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 20 July 2026

Definition of terror

Noun

The headlines often focus on uber-selective colleges and universities, the lengths students and parents will go to access them, and the parts of the process of applying that evoke the most anxiety.

— Brennan Barnard, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
One of the most dreadful packing pain points is the anxiety of whether everything will actually fit in your suitcase, which, thankfully, my Away Bigger Carry-on has eliminated.

— Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of anxiety

Noun

After a couple of rounds of throwing up and an evaluation by the doctor, Coop is okay, but the whole thing puts a fright into the crew, and especially into Joy.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 July 2026
They were not used to being hunted and had quickly got over their fright.

— Jack O'Connor, Outdoor Life, 8 July 2026

Definition of fright

Browse Nearby Words

phlegmatic

phobia

phobias

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Style

“Phobia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phobia. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of phobia

noun

Example Sentences

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The Longest Long Words List

Face Your Fears

It's Not Just You, Charlie Brown

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