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Definitions

fear

[feer] / fɪər /
NOUN
alarm
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alarm angst anxiety apprehension awe concern despair dismay doubt dread horror jitters panic scare suspicion terror unease uneasiness worry
STRONG
abhorrence agitation apprehensiveness aversion consternation cowardice creeps discomposure disquietude distress faintheartedness fearfulness foreboding fright funk misgiving nightmare phobia presentiment qualm reverence revulsion timidity trembling trepidation
WEAK
chickenheartedness cold feet cold sweat recreancy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
assurance calmness cheer confidence contentment ease encouragement faith happiness joy trust
STRONG
calm comfort 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 film explores fear — a sentiment Lapid believes is pervasive today.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The Garda Representative Association said members have a "genuine fear" in pursuing vehicles as they may end up being disciplined or even prosecuted.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

And 20% support — which is roughly what the top candidate receives in surveys — is hardly a number to strike fear in the heart of rivals.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

In between, a pivotal Supreme Court ruling against President Trump’s tariffs, and a broadening fear over AI’s disruption to key sectors, left few corners of the market untouched.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

I seethed, but a cold needle of fear was there too.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

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