as in worrying
to experience concern or anxiety
her friends feared that she was dating a guy who was all wrong for her
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Recent Examples of fearing
Since her early days as a salon receptionist, the artist formerly known as Catherine Garner has channeled her unbridled id with a head-spinning boldness that would be probable cause for exorcism in most God-fearing countries.
—
Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026
Three Iraqi friends and acquaintances of Kittleson spoke about her on condition of anonymity, fearing reprisal from armed groups if they were publicly linked to her.
—ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
Hannah’s first instinct was to check the closet, fearing Noah had climbed out of bed and wandered.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
In the months since, many parents have rushed to obtain passports and other documentation for their newborns, fearing that a future ruling could put their status in question.
—Nik Popli, Time, 1 Apr. 2026
Critics of the legislation have called the unelected board undemocratic, fearing that whichever interest groups could influence the mayor could drive the future of Indianapolis public education.
—Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 27 Mar. 2026
Large earthquakes rocked Santorini, and many of its residents fled, fearing an eruption.
—Quanta Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
Kadas acknowledges that people often hesitate to interact with others in digital forums, fearing potential false identities and bots.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
Commentary and opinions Republicans fearing a midterm rout have revived Islamophobia as a political strategy, writes columnist Robin Abcarian.
—Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 2 Apr. 2026
Three Iraqi friends and acquaintances of Kittleson spoke about her on condition of anonymity, fearing reprisal from armed groups if they were publicly linked to her.
—ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
Hannah’s first instinct was to check the closet, fearing Noah had climbed out of bed and wandered.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
In the months since, many parents have rushed to obtain passports and other documentation for their newborns, fearing that a future ruling could put their status in question.
—Nik Popli, Time, 1 Apr. 2026
Critics of the legislation have called the unelected board undemocratic, fearing that whichever interest groups could influence the mayor could drive the future of Indianapolis public education.
—Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 27 Mar. 2026
Large earthquakes rocked Santorini, and many of its residents fled, fearing an eruption.
—Quanta Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
Kadas acknowledges that people often hesitate to interact with others in digital forums, fearing potential false identities and bots.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
Commentary and opinions Republicans fearing a midterm rout have revived Islamophobia as a political strategy, writes columnist Robin Abcarian.
—Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fearing
worrying
Verb
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That's where Somali businesses struggled due to customers worrying that ICE might arrest them while shopping.—
Jeff Wagner,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Colleagues had been worrying about Metayer Bowen all day long.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Fearing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fearing. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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