TREPIDATION Synonyms: 56 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'trepidation' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of trepidation are alarm , dread , fear , fright , panic , and terror . While all these words mean "painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger," trepidation adds to dread the implications of timidity, trembling, and hesitation. // raised the subject with trepidation

Q: When would 'alarm' be a good substitute for 'trepidation'?

While the synonyms alarm and trepidation are close in meaning, alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger. // view the situation with alarm

Q: Where would 'dread' be a reasonable alternative to 'trepidation'?

The words dread and trepidation can be used in similar contexts, but dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety. // faced the meeting with dread

Q: When might 'fear' be a better fit than 'trepidation'?

The meanings of fear and trepidation largely overlap; however, fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage. // fear of the unknown

Q: When could 'fright' be used to replace 'trepidation'?

Although the words fright and trepidation have much in common, fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear. // fright at being awakened suddenly

Q: When is 'panic' a more appropriate choice than 'trepidation'?

The synonyms panic and trepidation are sometimes interchangeable, but panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity. // the news caused widespread panic

Q: When is it sensible to use 'terror' instead of 'trepidation'?

The words terror and trepidation are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, terror implies the most extreme degree of fear. // immobilized with terror

trepidation

noun

ˌtre-pə-ˈdā-shən

Definition of trepidation next

as in fear

the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger shaking with trepidation, I stepped into the old abandoned house

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word trepidation distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of trepidation are alarm, dread, fear, fright, panic, and terror. While all these words mean "painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger," trepidation adds to dread the implications of timidity, trembling, and hesitation.

raised the subject with trepidation

When would alarm be a good substitute for trepidation?

While the synonyms alarm and trepidation are close in meaning, alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.

view the situation with alarm

Where would dread be a reasonable alternative to trepidation?

The words dread and trepidation can be used in similar contexts, but dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety.

faced the meeting with dread

When might fear be a better fit than trepidation?

The meanings of fear and trepidation largely overlap; however, fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage.

fear of the unknown

When could fright be used to replace trepidation?

Although the words fright and trepidation have much in common, fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear.

fright at being awakened suddenly

When is panic a more appropriate choice than trepidation?

The synonyms panic and trepidation are sometimes interchangeable, but panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity.

the news caused widespread panic

When is it sensible to use terror instead of trepidation?

The words terror and trepidation are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, terror implies the most extreme degree of fear.

immobilized with terror

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of trepidation Speaking during a recent break between her environmental classes at the UA, Conley, ever the optimist, reflected on her own blend of trepidation and excitement ahead of the election, and on how climate solutions and conscious parenting could still redirect Arizona’s future. —

Joan Meiners, The Arizona Republic, 16 Oct. 2024 But if history is any indication, trepidation that the current rally could turn into a full blown bear market might be unwarranted. —

Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2024 When Kamala Harris stepped in to replace the tottering Joe Biden atop the Democratic ticket, there was no small amount of trepidation within her party. —

Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 22 Sep. 2024 The ‘Hope-O-Meter’ had the New Orleans Saints ranked last out of all teams, as supporters expressed trepidation for the 2024 campaign. —

Ben Morse, CNN, 16 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trepidation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trepidation

Noun

Meanwhile, fears are growing that pressure to address the spiraling humanitarian crisis in Gaza will fade as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office.

Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
The shame and fear from that policy linger on, even generations later.

Josh Becker, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024