dreading

[dred-ing] / ˈdrɛd ɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

anxious

Synonyms

STRONGEST

afraid apprehensive careful concerned distressed fearful fidgety jittery nervous restless scared uneasy uptight

WEAK

aghast antsy basket case bugged butterflies choked clutched disquieted disturbed fretful hacked hyper in a state in a tizzy in suspense jumpy nervy overwrought shaking shaky shivery shook-up shot to pieces solicitous spooked strung-out sweating bullets taut troubled unglued unquiet watchful wired worried sick wreck

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bold brave calm collected composed confident cool courageous happy inattentive quiet unafraid unconcerned unfearful unworried

WEAK

assured content indifferent peaceful tranqil unwilling

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 couple is among thousands of immigrant parents hiding in their homes in Minneapolis, dreading that federal agents will come knocking.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

In private, in my office, she admitted to avoiding mirrors, skipping photos and dreading social events.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026

"I was always worried about if anything happened at home," said Emily, as she often woke up to missed calls from home dreading the "worst case scenario".

From BBC • Dec. 27, 2025

Each night, she would lie awake dreading the next day.

From Slate • Sep. 15, 2025

Coach West called an extra practice, saying we’ve gotten soft over winter break, and I’m dreading it.

From "A Good Kind of Trouble" by Lisa Moore Ramée

dreading

Example Sentences

Related Words