1
as in anxiety
the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger
the sight of the headless horseman filled the schoolmaster with fear
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2
as in worry
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble
fear for her family's safety drove her to seek help from neighbors she hardly knew
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to worry
to experience concern or anxiety
her friends feared that she was dating a guy who was all wrong for her
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fear
Shayla Colon, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
When a crisis hits, and difficult conversations become necessary, that foundation of trust allows for open, honest dialogue rather than fear and uncertainty.
—David A. Naylor, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Many now fear that the system of cooperation is beginning to crack.
—Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for fear 
Noun
On trial for murder: The trial of three men linked to a series of robberies and murders that rocked New York’s L.G.B.T.Q. community and spread fear throughout the city began with opening statements.
—Shayla Colon, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
When a crisis hits, and difficult conversations become necessary, that foundation of trust allows for open, honest dialogue rather than fear and uncertainty.
—David A. Naylor, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
Millot was quickly interwoven into a side that played fast, intricate football, and established himself as a goalscoring midfielder to be feared.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Many now fear that the system of cooperation is beginning to crack.
—Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for fear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fear
Noun
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Participating in rituals and routine has been shown to provide solace against anxiety and grief.—
Christina Pérez,
Vogue,
29 Jan. 2025
-
The students who had higher anxiety tended to be those who treated their pets more like friends or family.—
Jonathan Granoff,
Newsweek,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Washington does not share this worry, Zelenskyy claimed.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
21 Jan. 2025
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While markets often climb a wall of worry, this wall looks more like a cliff.—
Bob Haber,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
Noun
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And recently thousands of physicians and others in health care have signed onto letters echoing these concerns.—
Will Stone,
NPR,
28 Jan. 2025
-
Lifting their lips Growling Baring their teeth Addressing Resource Guarding If a dog displays resource guarding, owners are encouraged to consult a veterinarian to rule out underlying medical issues, as behavioral changes or aggression could indicate health concerns.—
Barbara A. Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The image of crew member Frank Silva, spontaneously recruited to play the murderous demon Bob, at the foot of Laura’s bed instills an overwhelming sense of dread, even as a static screenshot.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
16 Jan. 2025
-
The thought of returning to the beach filled her with dread.—
Lila Shapiro,
Vulture,
13 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Nic Carter, a prominent crypto investor and Trump supporter, reasons that the unease is indicative of a broader panic, a slow-growing sense that Trump can’t be controlled in the way the industry might want.—
Will Gottsegen,
The Atlantic,
20 Jan. 2025
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These capabilities even evoke a growing sense of unease and fears of sentient beings that could potentially threaten humanity.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes,
10 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The cause of the panic remains unclear, but distressing scenes unfolded as families searched for missing relatives and rescuers aided the injured.—
Jonathan Granoff,
Newsweek,
29 Jan. 2025
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The forceful move propelled French exhibitors in a state of panic, but also led for negotiations to be re-launched.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Washington — Justice Department lawyers and defense attorneys for the three men accused of planning the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks squared off before a federal appeals court Tuesday in a court fight over whether plea agreements reached with the defendants last summer can go forward.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2025
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The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights said some organizations had reported a 400% increase in antisemitic incidents since the October 7, 2023 terror attacks in Israel.—
Allison Gordon,
CNN,
26 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Fear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fear. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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