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.

Mrima Hill, a 390-acre forest on Kenya's Indian Ocean coast, has long been at the centre of disputes over its untapped mineral wealth, with locals fearing eviction without compensation and exclusion from the benefits.

From Barron's • Jun. 29, 2026

"Others tried to get their cars out of the building basements, fearing an aftershock might make things worse."

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026

Behavioral-finance experts say people can feel a sense of shame around selling their company’s stock, fearing it signals to others — and themselves — that they don’t believe in the future of the business.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 23, 2026

Bonnie’s heart lies with her toys, but she tries to conform anyway, fearing that she’ll never make a friend otherwise.

From Salon • Jun. 21, 2026

The Riders of Rohan sat uneasily upon their horses, on either side of the stair, and looked up darkly at the great tower, fearing what might befall their lord.

From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien