in a cold sweat

ADJECTIVE

apprehensive

Synonyms

STRONGEST

afraid concerned doubtful jittery jumpy suspicious uncertain uneasy uptight

WEAK

alarmed biting nails butterflies disquieted feel in bones foreboding frozen get vibes have a hunch have cold feet have funny feeling have stage fright hung up in a dither in a sweat lily-livered mistrustful running scared shaky stiff troubled weak worried worried sick

Antonyms

STRONGEST

calm certain clear collected composed confident cool definite easygoing happy laid-back sure unquestionable

WEAK

at ease quiet unafraid undoubting unfearful unsuspicious unworried

ADJECTIVE

frightened

Synonyms

STRONGEST

afraid anxious fearful panicky spooked startled unnerved

STRONG

abashed affrighted alarmed butterflies cowed dismayed frozen numb petrified terrified terrorized yellow

WEAK

aghast chicken chicken-hearted have cold feet having kittens hung up in a panic in a sweat jittery jumpy lily-livered mousy pushing the panic button rabbity running scared scared stiff shaky shivery sissy terror-stricken uptight

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bold brave cool courageous happy unafraid

WEAK

calm comforted

ADJECTIVE

petrified

Synonyms

STRONG

alarmed dazed frightened frozen immobilized numb scared shocked spooked startled stunned terrorized unnerved

WEAK

afraid anxious fearful have cold feet in a panic panicky pushing the panic button scared stiff speechless terror-stricken

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.

St James' Park was in a cold sweat on the final day as Newcastle lost to Everton, but the party started after Manchester United's controversial win against Aston Villa.

From BBC • May 26, 2025

I awoke in a cold sweat, comforted by the realization that I was still at home.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2024

I woke in a cold sweat of reality.

From Salon • Dec. 14, 2023

"Even when I realise I am not in Kuta traffic, I can shake in fear, break out in a cold sweat and feel really scared."

From Reuters • Oct. 11, 2022

He started, wheeled, and broke out in a cold sweat.

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham

in a cold sweat

Example Sentences

Related Words