Synonyms of trepidation

trepidation

noun

ˌtre-pə-ˈdā-shən 

as in fear

the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger

shaking with trepidation, I stepped into the old abandoned house

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Recent Examples of trepidation

As trepidation surrounds high school pitching prospects for a variety of reasons well beyond injuries, a move of this nature would provide the Nationals with signing bonus flexibility while spreading the savings over their remaining nine picks in the first 10 rounds of the draft. —Wayne G. McDonnell, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025

Acapulco still scarred by Otis Acapulco residents had braced for Erick’s arrival with more preparation and trepidation given the devastation wrought by Hurricane Otis two years earlier. —Luis Alberto Cruz, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025

Although Thomas is only 26, Schoen may have trepidations about shifting money into the future for a player with his injury history. —Dan Duggan, New York Times, 21 May 2025

Stuck in the middle of it all, surrounded in each direction by buildings either planned or already raised, diners at the Cuatro Esquinas Restaurant expressed some trepidation about the changes in the neighborhood. —Cd Goette-Luciak, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025