Definitions

fear

[feer] / fɪər /

NOUN

alarm

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alarm angst anxiety apprehension awe concern despair dismay doubt dread horror jitters panic scare suspicion terror unease uneasiness worry

STRONG

abhorrence agitation apprehensiveness aversion consternation cowardice creeps discomposure disquietude distress faintheartedness fearfulness foreboding fright funk misgiving nightmare phobia presentiment qualm reverence revulsion timidity trembling trepidation

WEAK

chickenheartedness cold feet cold sweat recreancy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

assurance calmness cheer confidence contentment ease encouragement faith happiness joy trust

STRONG

calm comfort liking love

WEAK

bravery courage fearlessness heroism unconcern

VERB

feel alarm; be scared of

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anticipate avoid dread expect foresee shun suspect worry

STRONG

apprehend blanch cower crouch falter flinch fret quail quaver shrink shudder shy start tremble wilt

WEAK

be afraid be anxious be apprehensive be disquieted be frightened be in awe break out in a sweat dare not feel concern have butterflies have qualms lose courage

Antonyms

STRONGEST

face meet want

STRONG

calm steady stretch

WEAK

brave

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Fear has gripped Ebola-hit areas in eastern DR Congo as the suspected number of deaths continues to rise.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Fear doesn’t always go away with a comfortable, well-executed retirement plan.

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

Appeared in the May 6, 2026, print edition as 'Gulf States Fear U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

The daredevil intensity that won Adrien Brody two Oscars translates forcefully to the stage in his Broadway debut in “The Fear of 13.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026

Fear collided with anger as her heartbeat quickened.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

fear

Example Sentences

Related Words