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.

More than 50% of Americans fear that they or someone they live with will lose their job to AI, according to a new poll from Reuters/Ipsos, which surveyed 4,531 U.S. adults.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

And frankly, the longer his second term goes, the more it seems that fear is coming true.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

They have repeated calls for calm and said the events have caused significant harm to communities, spread fear and risked innocent lives.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

While Raymond was said to be conscientious and loyal to close associates, he commanded a mixture of respect and fear, and his demeanor occasionally rankled fellow employees, competitors and outsiders such as Wall Street analysts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

Young as I was, I knew that fear is never funny.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

fear

Example Sentences

Related Words