1
: causing or likely to cause fear, fright, or alarm especially because of dangerous quality
a fearful storm
2
a
: full of fear
fearful for their safety
b
: indicating or arising from fear
a fearful glance
c
: inclined to fear : timorous
3
: very great or bad
—used as an intensive
a fearful waste
fearful slum conditions
Examples of fearful in a Sentence
He plays the role of a timid and fearful clerk.
They won the war but at a fearful cost.
Recent Examples on the Web
Leaders everywhere were fearful of military action but still prepared for conflict in ways that almost guaranteed that, if hostilities were to break out in Europe, the Great Powers would get involved.
—
Literary Hub, 27 May 2026
The movie’s premise—parasocial obsession and manipulation disguised as romance—may have hit a nerve with younger audiences who are reportedly more fearful and less interested in romance.
—Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
The market has decided the Al boom can outrun both a hawkish Fed and a fearful consumer.
—Benzinga, Freep.com, 23 May 2026
Historically, in situations involving large numbers of dogs, rescue teams have reported the animals to be agitated, stressed and fearful of human interaction (resulting in shyness or aggression).
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for fearful
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Literary Hub, 27 May 2026
The movie’s premise—parasocial obsession and manipulation disguised as romance—may have hit a nerve with younger audiences who are reportedly more fearful and less interested in romance.
—Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
The market has decided the Al boom can outrun both a hawkish Fed and a fearful consumer.
—Benzinga, Freep.com, 23 May 2026
Historically, in situations involving large numbers of dogs, rescue teams have reported the animals to be agitated, stressed and fearful of human interaction (resulting in shyness or aggression).
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for fearful
Cite this Entry
“Fearful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fearful. Accessed 28 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fearful
adjective
fear·ful
ˈfi(ə)r-fəl 
1
: causing fear
the fearful roar of a lion
2
: filled with fear
fearful of danger
3
: showing or caused by fear
a fearful glance
4
: extremely bad, large, or intense
fearful cold
fearfulness
noun
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