1
: causing or likely to cause fear, fright, or alarm especially because of dangerous quality
a fearful storm
2
a
: full of fear
fearful for his safety
b
: indicating or arising from fear
a fearful glance
c
: inclined to fear : timorous
3
: very great or bad
—used as an intensive
a fearful waste
fearful slum conditions
Synonyms
Examples of fearful in a Sentence
He plays the role of a timid and fearful clerk.
They won the war but at a fearful cost.
Recent Examples on the Web
The collapse of social and economic order in Myanmar is watched carefully by its neighbors, fearful that instability will spill over.
—
Koh Ewe, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024
The research provides a counterbalance to the rhetoric that employees are fearful of new AI tools replacing them and keen not to see their employers adopt the technology.
—Alena Botros, Fortune Europe, 1 Nov. 2024
Millions of American’s are fearful of Project 2025 and Trump being in control as the Commander in Chief again with Presidential powers.
—Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Some were fearful for their future as part of the LGBTQ+ community, others were concerned about conspiracy theories or media bias, and some worried that the election outcome would tear their family apart.
—Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fearful 
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Koh Ewe, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024
The research provides a counterbalance to the rhetoric that employees are fearful of new AI tools replacing them and keen not to see their employers adopt the technology.
—Alena Botros, Fortune Europe, 1 Nov. 2024
Millions of American’s are fearful of Project 2025 and Trump being in control as the Commander in Chief again with Presidential powers.
—Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Some were fearful for their future as part of the LGBTQ+ community, others were concerned about conspiracy theories or media bias, and some worried that the election outcome would tear their family apart.
—Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fearful
Dictionary Entries Near fearful
Cite this Entry
“Fearful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fearful. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fearful
adjective
fear·ful
ˈfi(ə)r-fəl 
1
: causing fear
the fearful roar of a lion
2
: filled with fear
fearful of danger
3
: showing or caused by fear
a fearful glance
4
: extremely bad, large, or intense
fearful cold
fearfulness
noun
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