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Showing results for dreading.
Definitions

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

Whether you're excited for the seasonal sales or absolutely dreading them, it's hard to miss the countless emails and social media adverts on Black Friday deals.

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025

Some of them must be dreading—as we all need to start dreading and doing everything to stop—the days and nights that lie ahead.

From Slate • Sep. 30, 2025

I squeeze my eyes shut, already dreading this.

From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli