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
• daemon
• affliction
• bogy
• bogie
• 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
• panic
• dread
• horror
• fright
• scare
• trepidation
• alarm
• dismay
• worry
• alarum
• concern
• phobia
• nervousness
• agitation
• pang
• creeps
• jitters
• apprehension
• perturbation
• 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

In Jennifer Kent's terrifying psychological horror film, the Babadook is summoned when Amelia reads to her son from a pop-up book about the monster, leading to days of terror. —Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 24 Oct. 2025

The mayor did not elaborate on what those Islamic terror attacks had to do with Mamdani, who would be the city’s first Muslim mayor. —Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2025

The show, set during the Jim Crow era, traces the roots of the It story through the lens of racial terror and generational trauma — Charlotte is the grandmother of the young boy featured in the 2017 film. —Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025

Move over, jump scares — nightmare-fueling mood-piece horror about the terror of growing up is so hot right now. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2025