terror

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

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 terror At least one of the young suspects who have been robbing cabbies since January was arrested, but then released from court without bail, angering taxi advocates, who are demanding prosecutors take a stronger stance against these teen terrors. Sheetal Banchariya, New York Daily News, 15 May 2025 India has long accused Pakistan of funding terror groups in Kashmir, an accusation denied by Islamabad. Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 14 May 2025 Some of the faculty teaching at Northwestern’s campus in Qatar have publicly spewed rhetoric promoting political violence against the Israeli people or minimizing the October 7 terror attack. Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2025 National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Dedicated to the 184 victims who died at the Pentagon and on American Airlines Flight 77 during the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, the somber National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial features 184 illuminated benches situated among 84 Crepe Myrtle trees. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for terror
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terror
Noun
  • In that spirit, here are 11 essential tips to sharpen your skills, take the edge of the early slog, and unlock your full potential while going medieval on demons.
    Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Angie is constantly fighting her many other demons.
    Ronda Racha Penrice, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Some of this fear is rooted in social comparison, but much of it is tied to daily concerns about funding retirement accounts and covering child care costs.
    Eliza Brooke, Vox, 23 May 2025
  • While on the stand, Ventura also opened up about dating Mescudi for a short period, but allegedly having to break it off out of fear of Combs' reaction.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • His independent investigations lead him to a supernatural serial killer (Harry Treadaway), who will seemingly stop at nothing to torment Hodges.
    EW.com, EW.com, 23 May 2025
  • Speaking from her clients’ experiences and her own, Rosenbluth recognized the way these influencers’ cruel messages often directly echo the internal torment of people with eating disorders.
    Oona Hanson, CNN Money, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • As reported by First Post, Poland is holding a presidential election against a backdrop of growing security concerns, fueled by the ongoing war in neighboring Ukraine and anxiety over a potential U.S. retreat from European defense commitments under President Donald Trump.
    Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025
  • Although summer is usually the best time for relaxing, some grads might already be feeling the anxiety that comes with starting a new school or job.
    Brenda Stolyar, Wired News, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • Heck, even fear of long lines at bars and clubs have been downgraded from panic to the typical annoyance.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 17 May 2025
  • In 2019, staff at a facility in Phoenix called 911 in a panic after a patient—who was reportedly vegetative but may have been minimally conscious—unexpectedly gave birth.
    Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • At night, the power was often cut, and guards would scream threats into the darkness, heightening dread and disorientation.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025
  • Anxiety is a feeling of fear and dread, often triggered by stressful situations, uncertainty, and perceived threats.12 People whose anxiety does not go away or gets worse over time may have an anxiety disorder.
    Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Terror.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terror. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on terror

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