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 The coaches will have their meetings on Thursday, but their feeling was similar to the message coming from SEC coaches, who showed some trepidation over automatic bids and play-in games. Chris Vannini, New York Times, 29 May 2025 Critics have trepidations Critics say the White House moves could compromise safety and violate legal frameworks such as the Atomic Energy Act. Matthew Daly, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2025 Midway through the week, though, some trepidation entered investor sentiment, as the 10-year hovered around the key 4.5% level. Fred Imbert, CNBC, 16 May 2025 So with similar gusto − and a little trepidation − Maccubbin took another revolutionary step: launching the District of Columbia’s first Pride celebration. Susan Miller, USA Today, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for trepidation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trepidation
Noun
  • The fear, in fact, is that our continual need to standardize will modernize ourselves out of existence.
    Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 28 June 2025
  • Levine also challenged Ono’s inaction as a pro-Hamas encampment took hold in the heart of Michigan’s campus, causing terror and fear among Jewish students.
    Avi D. Gordon, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Your husband’s anxiety just makes her puppet strings easier to pull.
    Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 5 July 2025
  • But Democratic pollster John Zogby said many of the wins came at the sacrifice of some and that anxiety in America is higher than ever.
    Paul Bedard, The Washington Examiner, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • The fear is more like a soft surge of dread, as if my synapses had been been rewired to the thrusting strings of John Williams' famous theme.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 21 June 2025
  • Feelings on the ground range from dread to determination.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Trepidation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trepidation. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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