Synonyms for

Dread

Verb / dred / Another word for dread — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To feel anxious or worried about something that might happen.

Synonyms & similar words

dreadful direful dire fear apprehension apprehensiveness dreaded frightening horrific terrible fearsome fearful awful horrendous fear worry apprehension dismay horror panic terror unease anxiety discomfort disquiet foreboding fright misgiving nightmare phobia revulsion terrorize trepidation alarm

Synonyms by register

Formal

apprehension foreboding trepidation anxiety

Informal

worry fear jitters nerves

Literary

bane terror horror

Antonyms

anticipation assurance calm confidence hope joy peace pleasure

Common collocations

  • dread disease
  • dread of death
  • dread the thought
  • dread the outcome
  • a sense of dread
  • utter dread
  • growing dread

Word family

noun dread
verb dread
adjective dreadful
adverb dreadfully

Usage note

Dread typically refers to a deep, intense fear of something that is likely to happen. It carries a stronger and more specific connotation than general fear or worry.

Example sentences

  1. I dread the thought of going to school tomorrow.
  2. She dreads traveling by plane because of her fear of flying.
  3. He dreads speaking in front of a large audience.
  4. They dread the idea of losing their jobs.
  5. We all dread getting sick during the winter months.

Quotes

  • I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone, there will be nothing. Only I will remain.
  • The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.
  • The fear of death is the most unjustified of all fears, for there's no risk of accident for someone who's dead.

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words