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.

But fears are growing that those valuations have now gone too far, investors might not see returns as early as expected and US interest rates could start to go up.

From Barron's • Jul. 1, 2026

“I think the earnings story of small caps is outweighing some of the fears of higher rates.”

From MarketWatch • Jun. 30, 2026

Palantir rose 2.4%, further recovering from a multiday losing streak driven by fears about the sustainability of the AI rally.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 29, 2026

The move comes amid fears about the use of artificial intelligence.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2026

But a rush of pride swept Nate’s fears away.

From I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 by Lauren Tarshis