TERROR Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

terror

noun

ˈter-ər

Definition of terror next

as in demon

a source of persistent emotional distress after the death of her father, fear of developing cancer became one of the terrors of her life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in fear

the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger the reports of a serial killer on the loose struck terror into our hearts

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 Shafak’s words slice through centuries of rosy myths about motherhood, exposing the raw terror that biological creation might devour its artistic sister. —

Fidan Cheikosman, JSTOR Daily, 1 Jan. 2025 Wildlife cops had a decision to make Sept. 11, 2024 A video of Victor the Bear swiping at a woman’s leg and what happened next fueled a raging debate over humanity’s coexistence with wild animals, particularly those that inspire both awe and terror. —

Defne Karabatur, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024 In 2012, the State Court of Appeals overturned the conviction, saying gang activity did not meet the criteria for an act of terror. —

Hurubie Meko, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024 The 10/7 terror attack and subsequent war against Hamas has coarsened the Israeli psyche. —

Ben Krull, New York Daily News, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for terror

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terror

Noun

There were sticky moments, as there was always going to be, given the demons this stadium holds for Newcastle.

Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024
In this thrilling and terrifying new six-episode limited series, a beloved and highly respected former United States President leads the investigation into a nationwide cyber attack while battling his demons.

Dana Feldman, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024