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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.

Appeared in the May 6, 2026, print edition as 'Gulf States Fear U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

Fear "will always be present because of the anxiety that comes with defending territory," Morales told AFP.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

Fear over how someone will pay for a child’s birthday cake.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

A longtime staple in men’s luxury streetwear, this month Fear of God debuts its first womenswear line for Collection Nine.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Has this been hiding under Cape Fear the entire time?

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer