1
as in terrifying
causing fear
the fearful roar of a lion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in timid
easily frightened
the stray cat that we took in is still fearful, even around us
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
the fearful wind and cold simply made being outside a miserable experience
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example 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 fearful
Many other attendees were disabled or in their 60s and 70s and fearful about cuts to Medicaid, Medicare and funding for medical research.
—
Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2025
The second focuses on Frank (Josh Thomson), the fearful umpire and school teacher who tries to hide from everyone.
—Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 21 Feb. 2025
The county contends that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that using local law enforcement for immigration erodes community trust and public safety if people are fearful of reporting crimes to authorities.
—Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025
Reason to be fearful: A midweek match under the lights at Villa Park is no easy task for any team.
—Andy Jones, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fearful
Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2025
The second focuses on Frank (Josh Thomson), the fearful umpire and school teacher who tries to hide from everyone.
—Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 21 Feb. 2025
The county contends that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that using local law enforcement for immigration erodes community trust and public safety if people are fearful of reporting crimes to authorities.
—Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025
Reason to be fearful: A midweek match under the lights at Villa Park is no easy task for any team.
—Andy Jones, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fearful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fearful
Adjective
-
The harsh environment, mostly devoid of human presence, feels almost terrifying in its vastness—but that feeling quickly gives way to awe and excitement.—
Dobrina Zhekova,
Vogue,
4 Mar. 2025
-
The terrifying incident unfolded Saturday morning, shortly after the Boeing 767 lifted off from its runway at Newark Liberty Airport.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
Zych was impressed by Lekki’s transformation from timid freshman to inspiring team leader.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
The intense gravitational pull from the black hole rips the two stars apart, capturing one star into a close orbit around it, notes the center.—
Bruce Dorminey,
Forbes,
8 Mar. 2025
-
This film transitions between moments of intense governmental and political drama, and moments of sympathetic, emotional anguish with the Hernandez family.—
Addie Morfoot,
Variety,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Don’t be afraid to geek out: The happiest people don’t play it cool.—
Jessica Weiss, Contributor,
CNBC,
1 Mar. 2025
-
This person spoke anonymously, afraid of reprisal for talking about the system.—
Carrie Johnson,
NPR,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
That an unelected tech billionaire has so much power over the American government is equal parts confusing and frightening.—
Caroline Mimbs Nyce,
The New Yorker,
26 Feb. 2025
-
Strong’s interpretation of Roy Cohn in The Apprentice was tragicomic and frightening stuff.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
26 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
People can discover new ways of relating to our bodies or different ways of thinking about transness or queerness in ways that aren’t so scary or alienating for them but that feel inviting and welcoming.—
Maximilíano Durón,
ARTnews.com,
3 Mar. 2025
-
Weighty — and scary — subject matter for a tween, Blair got the role of Regan with just a couple of prior credits under her belt.—
Diana Pearl,
People.com,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
The tool is designed for people who do intensive knowledge work in areas like finance, science, policy, and engineering.—
Gene Marks,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Because disability claims are done on paper and labor intensive, technology is not enough to solve the problem.—
Jenna McLaughlin,
NPR,
28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
And this week, there’s a very nice sequence in which Matty walks a frightened Zoey, step-by-step, through what to expect when she gets arrested.—
Noel Murray,
Vulture,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Igor tries to subdue Ani, who's frightened and enraged, kicking and screaming at the prospect of being separated from her new husband.—
Mandalit del Barco,
NPR,
26 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fearful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fearful. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share