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Definitions

fearful

[feer-fuhl] / ˈfɪər fəl /
ADJECTIVE
alarmed, apprehensive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
afraid agitated anxious frightened hesitant jittery nervous panicky scared shy skittish tense timid uneasy
WEAK
aflutter aghast chicken chickenhearted diffident discomposed disquieted disturbed fainthearted goose-bumpy have cold feet in a dither intimidated jumpy lily-livered mousy nerveless nervy perturbed phobic pusillanimous quivery rabbity running scared shaky sheepish shrinking solicitous spineless timorous tremulous unmanly weak-kneed worried yellow
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bold brave calm composed confident cool easygoing extroverted fearless happy laid-back unafraid unworried
WEAK
courageous good inapprehensive nice pleasant unfearful
ADJECTIVE
horrifying
Synonyms
WEAK
appalling astounding atrocious awful baleful bloodcurdling creepy dire distressing dreadful eerie formidable frightful ghastly ghoulish grievous grim grisly gruesome hair-raising hideous horrendous horrible horrific lurid macabre monstrous morbid overwhelming redoubtable shocking shuddersome sinister strange sublime terrible tremendous unearthly unspeakable
Antonyms
WEAK
bold brave courageous good inapprehensive nice pleasant unafraid unfearful

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 as the firm increasingly embeds itself in public bodies, the opinions and influence of its leaders leave some fearful.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

He said for some, the suspended state of the market could be an opportunity, pointing to a famous Warren Buffett quote: “Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

Heed the Oracle of Omaha: “Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Though the affluent enclave that’s located less than 14 miles north of L.A. had the education factor Farr was looking for, the mother of three was fearful it wouldn’t be fulfilling enough in other ways.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

And I became nervous and fearful that some heedless word, some turn in a careless conversation should bring that expression back to his eyes again.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier

Vocabulary lists containing fearful

"O Captain! My Captain!" Vocabulary from the poem

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