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.

By the time fear sets in, the damage is done.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

And frankly, the longer his second term goes, the more it seems that fear is coming true.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

Or that a player could be less likely to ask for the physio in fear of hampering their own team.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

With less money available for the program, Fernández said she and others fear they may have to wait a lot longer.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

“A long way away,” Granda said, but I could see the fear in his eyes.

From "Nory Ryan’s Song" by Patricia Reilly Giff

fear

Example Sentences

Related Words