Synonyms of terror

terror

noun

ˈter-ər 

1

as in demon

a source of persistent emotional distress

after the death of her father, fear of developing cancer became one of the terrors of her life

Synonyms & Similar Words

• demon
• torment
• affliction
• bugaboo
• bête noire
• ogre
• hang-up
• bugbear
• bogey
• hobgoblin

2

as in fear

the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger

the reports of a serial killer on the loose struck terror into our hearts

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fear
• anxiety
• fearfulness
• dread
• panic
• horror
• fright
• scare
• trepidation
• alarm
• worry
• dismay
• concern
• phobia
• nervousness
• agitation
• pang
• creeps
• jitters
• perturbation
• apprehension
• consternation
• twinge
• cowardice
• funk
• disquiet
• timidity
• discomposure
• willies
• qualm
• faintheartedness
• timorousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• assurance
• confidence
• boldness
• self-confidence
• courage
• aplomb
• bravery
• fearlessness
• fortitude
• daring
• valor
• gallantry
• intrepidity
• self-assurance
• stoutness
• hardihood
• nerve
• audacity
• dauntlessness
• intrepidness
• courageousness
• guts
• doughtiness

Synonym Chooser

How is the word terror distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of terror are alarm, dread, fear, fright, panic, and trepidation. While all these words mean "painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger," terror implies the most extreme degree of fear.

immobilized with terror

When is it sensible to use alarm instead of terror?

The words alarm and terror are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.

view the situation with alarm

When might dread be a better fit than terror?

While in some cases nearly identical to terror, dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety.

faced the meeting with dread

When can fear be used instead of terror?

The words fear and terror can be used in similar contexts, but fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage.

fear of the unknown

In what contexts can fright take the place of terror?

While the synonyms fright and terror are close in meaning, fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear.

fright at being awakened suddenly

Where would panic be a reasonable alternative to terror?

The synonyms panic and terror are sometimes interchangeable, but panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity.

the news caused widespread panic

How do trepidation and dread relate to one another, in the sense of terror?

Trepidation adds to dread the implications of timidity, trembling, and hesitation.

raised the subject with trepidation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of terror

Protecting a top terror target With millions of people expected Thursday to line the famous Canyon of Heroes -- Broadway from Battery Park to City Hall -- security experts say the NYPD will have a counterterrorism overlay to protect the public because New York City is a top terror target. —Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 15 June 2026

But the sheer brutality and creeping terror of the simplistic opening scene makes the rest of the film — with its gratuitous set pieces and CGI gore — seem much more inelegant. —Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026

The comedy of that isn’t undermined by the terror of Patricia’s plight; it’s enhanced by it. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 13 June 2026

As terror has struck other cities around the world in recent months our shock and anger have been mixed with a growing sense of unease. —Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026