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.

West Texas Intermediate crude prices fell from nearly $120 a barrel in early April to around $70 as cease-fire plans eased Iran war fears.

From Barron's • Jul. 1, 2026

But as younger Taiwanese largely opt for city life over the island's remote northeast, she fears this tradition could vanish when her generation of "hainu", or "sea women", are no longer able to carry on.

From Barron's • Jun. 30, 2026

“I think the earnings story of small caps is outweighing some of the fears of higher rates.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 30, 2026

To prevent future market fears, the company said it also established a policy of maintaining a minimum reserve equal to at least 12 months of dividend and interest expense coverage.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 29, 2026

A steady stream of telltale clues fueled the Soviets' fears.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau