terror

Definition of terrornext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word terror distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of terror are alarm, dread, fear, fright, panic, and trepidation. While all these words mean "painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger," terror implies the most extreme degree of fear.

immobilized with terror

When is it sensible to use alarm instead of terror?

The words alarm and terror are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.

view the situation with alarm

When might dread be a better fit than terror?

While in some cases nearly identical to terror, 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 can fear be used instead of terror?

The words fear and terror can be used in similar contexts, but fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage.

fear of the unknown

In what contexts can fright take the place of terror?

While the synonyms fright and terror are close in meaning, fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear.

fright at being awakened suddenly

Where would panic be a reasonable alternative to terror?

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

the news caused widespread panic

How do trepidation and dread relate to one another, in the sense of terror?

Trepidation adds to dread the implications of timidity, trembling, and hesitation.

raised the subject with trepidation

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 terror The year since has been one of night-terrors and grief for the families who lost loved ones. Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026 In the end, reverence for the likes of Genghis Khan, Hitler, and Attila the Hun mistakes fear for respect, destruction for disruption, and raw terror for true greatness. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 24 June 2026 Set five years after the Ghostbusters took the Statue of Liberty for a walk, young, scrappy New Yorkers face a new wave of supernatural terror hitting the Big Apple. Kevin Giraud, Variety, 24 June 2026 Prosecutors said that the group launched a premeditated terror attack on the detention facility inspired by antifa ideology, by setting off fireworks, vandalizing property, and shooting at police officers who responded. Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for terror
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terror
Noun
  • There are highs and lows, angels and demons.
    Steve Buckley, New York Times, 23 June 2026
  • Davion Mitchell is a defensive demon.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Bell also spoke of the importance of prioritizing communication in their relationship — especially during moments of fear or insecurity.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • 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.
    Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Noun
  • Sore from the torment of her family’s banishment, Espinoza feels the pulse of current events.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Many a knave is rich, sleek, and honored, while the just man is poor, hated, and in torment.
    Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • And at times members of the congregation thank her and others for casting aside those anxieties and keeping this place going.
    Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • That uncertainty allows anxiety to grow because your brain naturally wants answers that do not yet exist.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Great productions of Sondheim musicals, and this is one of those, always fill you with a certain existential dread.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
  • Dong recalled that dread ran deep because his tiny boat might capsize if the winds and waves picked up.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • The resulting anxiety and panic are an unfortunate side effect of a banner year for fireworks shows.
    Bill Chappell, NPR, 28 June 2026
  • Sandy has taken flight, but not without sending eagle-eyed viewers of the Friends of Big Bear Valley eagle nest cam into a Sunday-morning panic.
    Kris Wernowsky, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Terror.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terror. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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