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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of fear
Alicia Wallace, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025
The number of cancellations comes from a person who asked for anonymity because of the fear of repercussions at the Post.
—David Folkenflik, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025
Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
The rules were put in place to keep high-performance AI chips from Nvidia and others out of the hands of the Chinese government, which Washington fears could co-opt the technology for military use and threaten U.S. national security.
—Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fear
Noun
Soft signals about the economy The pullback in spending comes at a time when American consumers are growing increasingly pessimistic on fears that inflation will pick up because of President Donald Trump’s talk of wide-ranging tariffs, according to various surveys.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025
The number of cancellations comes from a person who asked for anonymity because of the fear of repercussions at the Post.
—David Folkenflik, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
Some fear that states, counties and local meteorologists would have to pay for information that saves lives.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2025
The rules were put in place to keep high-performance AI chips from Nvidia and others out of the hands of the Chinese government, which Washington fears could co-opt the technology for military use and threaten U.S. national security.
—Matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fear
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fear
Noun
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Merz vowed to bring stronger leadership in Europe at a moment when Trump had sowed anxiety on the continent by scrambling traditional alliances and embracing Russia.—
Emmett Lindner,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2025
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While some financial hiccups are normal in early adulthood, ongoing instability could signal deeper struggles with budgeting, impulsivity or even financial anxiety.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
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What the public worries about is clarity from their politicians.—
Carlton Reid,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
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Another major worry for those who’ve been able to live in their homes is all the trash.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
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But investigators have since sought to quell those concerns.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA TODAY,
22 Feb. 2025
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That the Trump administration recently fired hundreds of FAA technicians and other staffers has only amplified those concerns.—
Alex Fitzpatrick,
Axios,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Filming their every outspoken thought and conversation whether in the newsroom, at home, on the street or in cars driving around frigid Moscow, the director channels the growing sense of dread as the government crackdown accelerates and the war nears.—
Jordan Mintzer,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Feb. 2025
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Read More: Scientists Debate Why Childbirth is So Brutal Epidural Risks and Research Unfortunately, myths and out-of-date information continue to inspire fear and dread of the procedure.—
Stephen C. George,
Discover Magazine,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Despite scoring four goals in 11 first-half minutes, there was a sense of unease around St James’ Park in the second half before Newcastle United finally saw out victory against Nottingham Forest.—
Chris Waugh,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
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Existential unease permeated the festival program, though the Forum — the section dedicated to more experimental works — conjured this mood at the most forceful, and visually transportive, register.—
Beatrice Loayza,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
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That’s understandably caused some panic among the fan base.—
Cory Lavalette,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
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Spreading moral panic Trump is already actively deploying a key tactic in expanding mass surveillance: causing moral panics.—
Brittany Friedman,
The Conversation,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The revelation is the latest tragic twist for the Bibas family, who have become among the most recognizable victims of the October 7 terror attacks, with confirmation of their deaths triggering an outpouring of grief in Israel.—
Mohammed Tawfeeq,
CNN,
21 Feb. 2025
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About 1,200 people were killed and 251 were captured in the Oct. 7 terror attack, according to Israeli officials.—
Astha Rajvanshi,
NBC News,
20 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to fear
Cite this Entry
“Fear.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fear. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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