afraid

[uh-freyd] / əˈfreɪd /

ADJECTIVE

fearful

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anxious apprehensive frightened nervous scared shocked suspicious timid

WEAK

abashed aghast alarmed aroused blanched cowardly cowed daunted discouraged disheartened dismayed distressed disturbed faint-hearted frozen have cold feet horrified in awe intimidated panic-stricken perplexed perturbed petrified rattled run scared scared stiff scared to death spooked startled stunned terrified terror-stricken timorous trembling upset worried

Antonyms

STRONGEST

brave calm happy unafraid unworried

WEAK

bold composed cool courageous eager fearless heroic intrepid undaunted undismayed valiant venturesome

ADJECTIVE

reluctant, regretful

Synonyms

STRONGEST

hesitant loath reluctant sorry unhappy unwilling

WEAK

averse backward disinclined indisposed uneager

Antonyms

STRONGEST

glad happy ready willing

WEAK

bold brave composed cool courageous eager fearless heroic intrepid unafraid undaunted undismayed valiant venturesome

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.

People are just afraid or they don’t want the hassle, and it is pervasive.

From Slate • May 26, 2026

“Just because you’re getting old, don’t be afraid to push yourself a little bit,” Joyner says.

From Barron's • May 23, 2026

Asked if she fears being "Canada's David Cameron" - a reference to the former British prime minister who called for the Brexit referendum - Smith said: "I'm not afraid of the judgement of Albertans."

From BBC • May 22, 2026

However, she admitted that she and Umansky have made no move toward making their divorce legal, noting that she is afraid it could interrupt their peaceful co-existence.

From MarketWatch • May 22, 2026

I didn’t want Granda to know I was just as afraid as Celia.

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

afraid

Example Sentences

Related Words