Synonym Chooser

How is the word trepidation distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of trepidation are alarm, dread, fear, fright, panic, and terror. While all these words mean "painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger," trepidation adds to dread the implications of timidity, trembling, and hesitation.

raised the subject with trepidation

When would alarm be a good substitute for trepidation?

While the synonyms alarm and trepidation are close in meaning, alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.

view the situation with alarm

Where would dread be a reasonable alternative to trepidation?

The words dread and trepidation can be used in similar contexts, but 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 might fear be a better fit than trepidation?

The meanings of fear and trepidation largely overlap; however, fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage.

fear of the unknown

When could fright be used to replace trepidation?

Although the words fright and trepidation have much in common, fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear.

fright at being awakened suddenly

When is panic a more appropriate choice than trepidation?

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

the news caused widespread panic

When is it sensible to use terror instead of trepidation?

The words terror and trepidation are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, terror implies the most extreme degree of fear.

immobilized with terror

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 trepidation What was once regarded as a vital forum to discuss global economic projections and future planning, was overcome by a profound sense of trepidation this year. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025 The New York Times has been talking with a group of voters who all cast their ballots in last November’s election with some trepidation. The New York Times, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025 However, sentiment is split evenly between relief and trepidation from the potential negative consequences introduced by the (mis)classification of Bitcoin as a security. Abubakar Nur Khalil, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 That’s why there was a sense of trepidation approaching the same fixture in September. Andy Jones, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trepidation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trepidation
Noun
  • The Albanian people deserve free elections, not another manipulated outcome enforced through fear and political imprisonment.
    Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • Margin anxiety nonetheless prompted HF Sinclair to pause what had been a budding streak of annual dividend hikes since a little before the corporate merger.
    Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • Boom!, the semi-autobiographical musical from Rent creator Jonathan Larson, as a hungry young composer racing toward his 30th birthday with more than a note of dread.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 7 May 2025
  • Developing Greater Self-Awareness Identifying behavioral signs of anxiety — such as physical restlessness, changes in eating habits or a sense of dread — may provide useful insights.
    Diane Winiarski, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trepidation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trepidation. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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