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Definitions

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.

She’s the kind of actor we desperately need right now, someone who isn’t afraid to challenge themselves or risk their viewership with a daring role.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

The retired nurse, 82, said the pollution made her afraid to go out and aggravated her dizziness and migraines.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Players will also flow into some clubs in a similar fashion, I'm sure, and I'm afraid all of this impinges on managers and coaches from this country, who are not part of that network.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

“Don’t be afraid to hit up your nearest dollar stores,” said Brian Theis, a cookbook author who likes to put his thrift-minded ways to good use during Easter.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

I wanted to laugh but I was afraid to.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.