as in terrifying
causing fear
every ship on the Spanish Main was terrified of running into the dread pirate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in worry
suspicion or fear of future harm or misfortune
the dread felt by people awaiting bad news
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fear
the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger
we were filled with dread when we saw the rapids we would be rafting down
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in terror
something or someone that causes fear or dread especially without reason
speaking in public is a perennial dread for many people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of dread
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
This transformation is coming on fast—and fueling anxiety, dread, and confusion among workers of all ages and industries.
—
Reece Rogers,
Wired News,
13 May 2026
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
26 June 2026
Only rush-hour traffic and $20 tacos inspire the same level of dread.
—
Los Angeles Times,
22 June 2026
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
27 May 2026
Blackpool boast the highest tally of promotions via this route with six, while Sheffield United fans must dread qualification after 10 unsuccessful attempts to go up, a record.
—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dread
Adjective
The men’s and women’s locker room facilities include saunas, whirlpools, steam rooms and the dread cold plunge as well.
—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
This transformation is coming on fast—and fueling anxiety, dread, and confusion among workers of all ages and industries.
—
Reece Rogers,
Wired News,
13 May 2026
Noun
Her choices are so preposterous that much of the dread which should run throughout the movie becomes comedic.
—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
26 June 2026
Only rush-hour traffic and $20 tacos inspire the same level of dread.
—
Los Angeles Times,
22 June 2026
Verb
When Sunday dread is more than dread Most people experience Sunday scaries occasionally, especially during stressful stretches at work.
—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
27 May 2026
Blackpool boast the highest tally of promotions via this route with six, while Sheffield United fans must dread qualification after 10 unsuccessful attempts to go up, a record.
—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dread
Adjective
-
That year, the Potomac River turned violent, as intense, heavy rains pushed the water to a terrifying, near-record flood level of 60,000 cubic feet per second.
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Just like waiting for the release of the bull, the ride vehicle will pause for three seconds before a terrifying 285-foot drop.
Noun
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Those worries make sense, and understanding how bird flu spreads and what to watch for is the best way to protect your flock and yourself.
-
Elevation invites visitors to carve wishes, worries, and hopes into the church pews.
Noun
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Bell also spoke of the importance of prioritizing communication in their relationship — especially during moments of fear or insecurity.
-
Our country right now is mired in a level of bullying and intolerance that, for some, might feed their fears, but won’t feed their family.
Noun
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Thibault in a news conference Tuesday said that authorities believe the incident was not related to terror.
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Meanwhile, frightful aftershocks continued to rock the area, sowing terror in a population already reaching the limits of endurance.
Adjective
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The hypocrisy is stunning, and frightening.
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Yes, the Scots played poorly, but Brazil’s brilliant roster of attacking talent capitalized on mistakes with frightening efficiency.
Noun
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And at times members of the congregation thank her and others for casting aside those anxieties and keeping this place going.
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That uncertainty allows anxiety to grow because your brain naturally wants answers that do not yet exist.
Noun
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That aspiration has become increasingly elusive to many Americans over the last decade as home prices remain near record highs and supply shortages plague much of the country.
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She’s now caught in the middle of a deadly magical plague and high-stakes political drama.
Adjective
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Authorities say the scary situation happened at the end of a ride on May 10.
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As a child life specialist, Hartz’s job is to make the hospital experience less scary.
Cite this Entry
“Dread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dread. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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