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.

See Examples For:

afraid

You stand at the summit, afraid to take a single step down, guarding a bank balance you can’t make yourself touch.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 16, 2026

"It's become a bit of a 'show-me' story, I'm afraid."

From Barron's ● Jul. 16, 2026

"Covid was very tough. I ended up cocooning because I was afraid of getting sick, afraid of nearly dying I suppose," he explained.

From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026

I think death is a very funny tool in comedy; I’m not afraid to go there, ever.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

I sat up, half raised, afraid to move fast lest she panic and run back into the wolves.

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen

afraid

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Related Words