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Definitions

fear

[feer] / fɪər /
NOUN
alarm
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alarm angst anxiety apprehension awe concern despair dismay doubt dread horror jitters panic scare suspicion terror unease uneasiness worry
STRONG
abhorrence agitation apprehensiveness aversion consternation cowardice creeps discomposure disquietude distress faintheartedness fearfulness foreboding fright funk misgiving nightmare phobia presentiment qualm reverence revulsion timidity trembling trepidation
WEAK
chickenheartedness cold feet cold sweat recreancy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
assurance calmness cheer confidence contentment ease encouragement faith happiness joy trust
STRONG
calm comfort liking love
WEAK
bravery courage fearlessness heroism unconcern
VERB
feel alarm; be scared of
Synonyms
STRONGEST
anticipate avoid dread expect foresee shun suspect worry
STRONG
apprehend blanch cower crouch falter flinch fret quail quaver shrink shudder shy start tremble wilt
WEAK
be afraid be anxious be apprehensive be disquieted be frightened be in awe break out in a sweat dare not feel concern have butterflies have qualms lose courage
Antonyms
STRONGEST
face meet want
STRONG
calm steady stretch
WEAK
brave

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.

But often, she said, they fear losing their jobs — or worse, having ICE called on them and being separated from their families.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

And a culture of callouts, scandals, and fear may prevent media and publishing from wrestling with much thornier questions of authorship.

From Slate • Apr. 17, 2026

The clash prompted Leo to tell reporters during a flight to Algeria: “I have no fear of either the Trump administration, or speaking out loudly about the message of the gospel.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

I fear for their boss Liam Rosenior after their run of results and also because of his decision to drop Enzo Fernandez against Manchester City.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Often he waited for half a day, sometimes for a whole day, and when I brought him food he wouldn't eat it for fear he would not be ready with the harpoon.

From "Black Star, Bright Dawn" by Scott O'Dell