fears

NOUN

alarm, apprehension

Synonyms

STRONGEST

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

STRONG

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

WEAK

chickenheartedness cold feet cold sweat recreancy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

assurance calmness cheer confidence contentment ease encouragement faith happiness joy trust

STRONG

calm comfort like 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.

The Metropolitan Police is anticipating one of its busiest days in recent years, and has drafted more than 4,000 officers over fears of clashes if the rival protests coincide.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

We can practice doing it deftly, focusing on our genuine beliefs, fears, and hopes.

From Slate • May 15, 2026

Shortage fears have Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk building a semiconductor fab to ensure enough chips for all the AI applications he is dreaming up.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

Even as Figma has beaten earnings expectations for every quarter since it went public in July 2025, shares have dropped 45.8% so far this year, on fears that AI will replace traditional software.

From MarketWatch • May 14, 2026

The sun sank beneath the horizon as we landed, and as I touched the shore I felt those cares and fears revive which soon were to clasp me and cling to me for ever.

From "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley