Synonyms for

Dreaded

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

Definition

feared or dreaded; causing great fear or apprehension

Synonyms & similar words

dreadful direful dire fear frightening horrific terrible dread fearsome fearful awful horrendous frightening terrifying scary horrible dreadful awful menacing intimidating alarming petrifying spine-chilling hair-raising chilling horrific ghastly macabre grim sinister ominous foreboding

Synonyms by register

Formal

feared apprehended foreboding

Informal

scary bogey nightmare

Literary

ominous dire portentous

Antonyms

anticipated awaited welcome desired cherished eagerly awaited

Common collocations

  • dreaded disease
  • dreaded moment
  • dreaded outcome
  • dreaded task
  • dreaded consequences
  • dreaded reputation
  • dreaded by all

Word family

noun dread
verb dread
adjective dreaded
adverb dreadfully

Usage note

Dreaded is the past participle of the verb 'dread' and is used as an adjective. It implies a strong fear or apprehension of something unpleasant that is expected or known to happen.

Example sentences

  1. I dreaded going to the dentist.
  2. The thought of spiders makes me feel dread.
  3. The storm was coming and he felt a sense of dread.
  4. She felt a sense of dread when she heard the news.
  5. He dreaded the thought of having to speak in public.

Quotes

  • The thing you fear most has no power. Your fear of it is what has the power. Facing the truth really will set you free. - Oprah Winfrey
  • The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. - Franklin D. Roosevelt
  • Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger; anger leads to hate; hate leads to suffering. - Yoda

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