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Showing results for afraid.
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.

“I was still really afraid of it, but I just forced myself to read and to learn.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

“I’m not afraid of the Trump administration or of speaking out loudly about the message of the Gospel, which is what the church works for,” Leo XIV said.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

“If you’re overusing AI, that means you’re not doing anything unique as a human in that process, which means you’re going to be even more afraid of AI taking your job,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

She told the Chronicle she did not share her account with authorities because she was afraid they would not believe her.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

For a moment, Jonah was afraid that she wasn’t going to react—why was she acting so freaky?

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix