terror

Synonym Chooser

How is the word terror distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of terror are alarm, dread, fear, fright, panic, and trepidation. While all these words mean "painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger," terror implies the most extreme degree of fear.

immobilized with terror

When is it sensible to use alarm instead of terror?

The words alarm and terror are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.

view the situation with alarm

When might dread be a better fit than terror?

While in some cases nearly identical to terror, 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 can fear be used instead of terror?

The words fear and terror can be used in similar contexts, but fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage.

fear of the unknown

In what contexts can fright take the place of terror?

While the synonyms fright and terror are close in meaning, fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear.

fright at being awakened suddenly

Where would panic be a reasonable alternative to terror?

The synonyms panic and terror are sometimes interchangeable, but panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity.

the news caused widespread panic

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

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 terror In his 2017 debut novel, American War, the conditions of terror and instability that define many of the places scarred by Western intervention are grafted onto an imagined future United States. Hazlitt, 27 Feb. 2025 She’s become obsessed with the threat of Islamic terror and her own quest for revenge. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025 The three of them set sail for Shanghai, grateful to have escaped the Nazis’ regime of terror. Jeanne Bonner, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025 The revelation is the latest tragic twist for the Bibas family, who have become among the most recognizable victims of the October 7 terror attacks, with confirmation of their deaths triggering an outpouring of grief in Israel. Mohammed Tawfeeq, CNN, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for terror
Recent Examples of Synonyms for terror
Noun
  • The temple is famous for its towering gopurams (gateway towers), each covered in a riot of colors and adorned with intricate sculptures of deities, demons, and mythical creatures from Hindu mythology.
    Shalbha Sarda, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Here, Hausmann-Stokes talks to Deadline about his upbringing, confronting personal demons, uncovering nuanced and engaging Veteran stories.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The bottom line: Before the latest wave of volatility and emergence of recession fears, America's most important corporate decision-makers were becoming more wary of the growth outlook.
    Neil Irwin, Axios, 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
Noun
  • And that’s just a small sample of the torment unleashed upon poor Jay!
    Brett Owens, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Watch Trailer For New Luigi Mangione Doc His experiment was an indisputable failure: in spite of his upbringing as a girl, Brenda always felt like a boy and endured a childhood of torment.
    Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Qigong also was found helpful in treating arthritis, depression and anxiety, and hypertension in a May 2022 study published in the Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research.
    Melanie Radzicki McManus, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025
  • In the film, Shear stars as Sam, a once-promising law student whose anxiety has slowly chipped away at his confidence in all areas of his life.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Uncertainty is scary, but fear, panic and worry add insult to injury—another layer of stress.
    Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Amid federal workforce layoffs and concerns about the economic impact of his trade policies—which have already sparked panic in the U.S. stock market—several CEOs have voiced doubts about the president's agenda.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 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

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Cite this Entry

“Terror.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terror. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on terror

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