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.

"I'm not afraid of speaking up when it's needed," she added.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

Don’t be afraid of any crackling; cumin seeds should sizzle when fried.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026

"I've never been so afraid to leave my young children. If I had money, I'd leave the country," he says.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

Don’t miss: ‘No one wears bling’: What does it say about America if people are afraid to wear their jewelry?

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

I’m not afraid of the bayou, but I’m also not thrilled to be here.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold