fears

NOUN

alarm, apprehension

Synonyms

STRONGEST

angst anxiety concern despair dismay doubt dread horror jitters panic scare suspicion terror unease uneasiness worry

STRONG

abhorrence agitation aversion awe consternation cowardice creeps discomposure disquietude distress faintheartedness foreboding fright funk misgiving nightmare phobia presentiment qualm reverence revulsion timidity trembling tremor trepidation

WEAK

chickenheartedness cold feet cold sweat recreancy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

assurance calmness cheer confidence contentment ease encouragement faith happiness joy trust

STRONG

calm comfort like 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.

He fears prey availability has not recovered enough to support tigers, who could starve.

From Barron's • Jul. 8, 2026

The lawyer for a prominent Palestinian medic from Gaza who has been detained by Israeli authorities without charge for over 18 months has told the BBC he fears for his client's life.

From BBC • Jul. 7, 2026

The strong performance of AI-related names has fueled bubble fears in the U.S. and around the world.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 7, 2026

“But underneath it, there’s something deeper about identity, performance, and our very human fears around AI. And yes, art will most definitely be imitating life.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 6, 2026

All of these fears, tinged with paranoia, seemed to Bobby to justify constant concern for his life.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady