1
as in terrifying
causing fear
the fearful roar of a lion
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2
as in timid
easily frightened
the stray cat that we took in is still fearful, even around us
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3
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
the fearful wind and cold simply made being outside a miserable experience
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4
as in afraid
filled with fear or dread
fearful of venturing out onto the dark highway, the stranded motorist decided to wait in the car for help
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fearful
His actions caused the boy to cry, and other teachers noticed a fearful look on the victim’s face, WIBC reported, citing the court records.
—
Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 6 Feb. 2025
Mayor Adams on Tuesday poured cold water on the idea that deportation fears since President Trump’s inauguration have led to a drop-off in New York City public school attendance — despite early signs that some immigrant families are fearful about sending their children to school.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2025
For instance, things like the strict use of the belt and different things about not being able to make mistakes and being very hyper cautious and aware for us and fearful for us.
—Abc News, ABC News, 6 Feb. 2025
Afghan nationals who had worked with the United States or NATO forces were particularly fearful of reprisals from the Taliban.
—Sophia Saifi, CNN, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fearful
Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 6 Feb. 2025
Mayor Adams on Tuesday poured cold water on the idea that deportation fears since President Trump’s inauguration have led to a drop-off in New York City public school attendance — despite early signs that some immigrant families are fearful about sending their children to school.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2025
For instance, things like the strict use of the belt and different things about not being able to make mistakes and being very hyper cautious and aware for us and fearful for us.
—Abc News, ABC News, 6 Feb. 2025
Afghan nationals who had worked with the United States or NATO forces were particularly fearful of reprisals from the Taliban.
—Sophia Saifi, CNN, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fearful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fearful
Adjective
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His first book, Dark Days vividly and unflinchingly chronicled his terrifying experience being jailed on charges of manslaughter (he was acquitted on all counts).—
Bill Kopp,
SPIN,
20 Feb. 2025
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For those who have watched DOGE storm into their workplace, what is perhaps most terrifying is its attempts to scale.—
Charlie Warzel,
The Atlantic,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Cannoli certainly seemed to be timid around dogs who bark a lot, leading Saulino to believe she felt intimidated by them.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
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Zych was impressed by Lekki’s transformation from timid freshman to inspiring team leader.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In the background of a Gaza ceasefire, Israel has steadily escalated an intense military operation in Palestinian cities in the West Bank, killing dozens and displacing tens of thousands of residents.—
Mick Krever,
CNN,
24 Feb. 2025
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This is a performance that entwines intense physicality with simmering determination, and a sense of humor.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
TIME,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In his four years in charge of the Mavericks, Harrison hasn’t been afraid to take big swings.—
C. Clark, M. Vorkunov and F. Katz,
The Athletic,
17 Feb. 2025
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Moving safely from the clouds to this perch required a steep angle, a dexterous pilot, and passengers more afraid of missing the film festival than of death upon impact.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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But former Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks has pitched just five innings since 2022 due to Tommy John surgery and, even more frightening, a battle with stage 4 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
21 Feb. 2025
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Bates is frightening in her stillness, which makes Annie’s sudden bursts of violence all the more horrifying.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Soto, Judge trade barbs Once, long ago — ahem, last season — Juan Soto and Aaron Judge formed the scariest hitting combination in MLB.—
Chris Branch,
The Athletic,
19 Feb. 2025
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But like the best scary movies, Horror has a strong ending.—
Brendan Hay,
SPIN,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In particular, teams deploying fiber-optic drones that send and receive signals via millimeters-thick wires rather than via radio—a method of control that helps the operators circumvent intensive Ukrainian radio jamming.—
David Axe,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
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The Shooting Stars award ceremony, held during the Berlin Film Festival, is the festive highlight and closing event of an intensive four-day program where the actors meet international casting directors and are presented to the international press.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Why do so many people love to be frightened and unnerved?—
Jeremy Engle,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2025
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But can dogs actually be frightened of heights like some humans?—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
18 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fearful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fearful. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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