fearing

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.

See Examples For:

fearing

Businesses and shops remained closed, with owners moving stock to safer locations ahead of time, fearing looting and vandalism.

From Barron's ● Oct. 4, 2026

At times, pilots have panicked, fearing they were running out of runway, and braked too hard, causing accidents.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026

They express confidence in public while perhaps fearing in private that a worst-case scenario could make it hopeless to try to save everyone.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 22, 2026

Banks, fearing it would lure away customer deposits, were fighting furiously to ban the practice.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 20, 2026

Emily snapped back inside, fearing Ms. Lee would pop out and yell at her about touching the neighbor’s building.

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman