panic 1 of 2

panic

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word panic distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of panic are alarm, dread, fear, fright, terror, and trepidation. While all these words mean "painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger," panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity.

the news caused widespread panic

In what contexts can alarm take the place of panic?

The words alarm and panic can be used in similar contexts, but alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.

view the situation with alarm

When could dread be used to replace panic?

Although the words dread and panic have much in common, 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 is it sensible to use fear instead of panic?

While the synonyms fear and panic are close in meaning, fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage.

fear of the unknown

When would fright be a good substitute for panic?

The synonyms fright and panic are sometimes interchangeable, but fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear.

fright at being awakened suddenly

When can terror be used instead of panic?

The meanings of terror and panic largely overlap; however, terror implies the most extreme degree of fear.

immobilized with terror

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

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 panic
Noun
But another 454 people were injured during the ensuing panic. Elizabeth Hernandez, The Denver Post, 7 Mar. 2025 Then, as now, much of the moral panic over what's being taught in schools is really rooted in anxieties about the racial order of the United States. Gene Demby, NPR, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
After a disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump that sent Democrats panicking over his mental acuity, Biden ultimately bowed out of the race in July, leaving Democrats with just 107 days before the election to find a new nominee and build a winning campaign. Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025 And perhaps, in the end, there will be no reason to panic at all. Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for panic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for panic
Noun
  • Two days is a long time on Capitol Hill, so there is still plenty of time for a deal to emerge, but Schumer's statement certainly heats up shutdown fears.
    Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The country passed a law last month banning foreign political donations over fears about potential interference in this week’s vote.
    Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Higher prices and looming economic uncertainty could scare off consumers, experts previously told ABC News.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Mozer yelled out of his apartment window, scaring Moseley off.
    Jessica Sager, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Extreme deficits may lead to obsessive food tracking, anxiety around eating, or disordered eating patterns.
    Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The series is less a procedural crime drama than a social portrait diving headfirst into the simmering cultural anxiety around boys and young men in the age of incels, male dislocation, and toxic podcasts.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Seeing those kinds of numbers in headlines may have started to frighten U.S. consumers, data shows.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 4 Mar. 2025
  • While full autonomy may frighten many, most drivers do still want automakers to focus on safety tech.
    John Koetsier, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • No matter what your views are on Israel & Palestine, we should all be terrified of a government incarcerating its residents for their political opinions.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Carolina Waterfowl Rescue has a history of rescuing snakes from predicaments in the region, including the venomous species that seem to terrify the public.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Over the past few weeks, my family has watched with dread as the Trump administration has closed the borders of the United States to asylum seekers and refugees just like in World War II.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 27 Feb. 2025
  • For many, there's a feeling of dread associated with software updates to your favorite gadget.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Lilian, startled, looked around at the door, and that made the sisters laugh: Lilian, too, was tricked, just like the hedgehog.
    Yiyun Li, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Homelessness and trauma can cause people to startle reflexively when touched, Greig says, part of the reason the site’s staff offers hugs to clients and encourages them to call family.
    Ian Willms, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Panic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/panic. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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