fearing

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.

Investors are nervous about a quieter Fed, fearing more market volatility, and are still debating how to interpret Warsh.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 30, 2026

Boll believes Germany “banned” the film by not assigning it an age rating, fearing it could incite violence, making it unfit for German theatrical release.

From Salon • Jun. 30, 2026

Mrima Hill, a 390-acre forest on Kenya's Indian Ocean coast, has long been at the centre of disputes over its untapped mineral wealth, with locals fearing eviction without compensation and exclusion from the benefits.

From Barron's • Jun. 29, 2026

"Others tried to get their cars out of the building basements, fearing an aftershock might make things worse."

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026

The flames grew bigger and wider as I drew back, fearing what was going to happen.

From "March Forward, Girl" by Melba Pattillo Beals