Synonyms for

Fearing

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

Definition

Feeling afraid or anxious about something or someone.

Synonyms & similar words

dread revere fear reverence venerate afraid anxious worried apprehensive nervous timid dreadful terrified scared panicky petrified intimidated alarmed frightened tense hesitant shy uneasy jittery unsettled

Synonyms by register

Formal

apprehensive dreading concerned anxious

Informal

worried scared freaked out spooked

Literary

trembling quaking aghast

Antonyms

brave bold confident fearless assured unafraid valiant

Common collocations

  • fearing the worst
  • fearing for his life
  • fearing a backlash
  • fearing repercussions
  • fearing discovery
  • fearing failure
  • fearing the consequences

Word family

noun fear
verb fear
adjective fearful
adverb fearfully

Usage note

Fearing is the present participle of 'fear'. It often implies a strong sense of unease or dread about a future event.

Example sentences

  1. The little boy was fearing the monster under his bed.
  2. She was fearing the results of her test.
  3. He was fearing the dark.
  4. The dog was fearing the loud thunder.
  5. She was fearing the dentist's drill.

Quotes

  • The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. - Nelson Mandela
  • The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. - Franklin D. Roosevelt
  • The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - Nelson Mandela

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