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

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of terror As hundreds of armed gang members, entrenched in the hills above Haiti’s capital, await orders to attack the last enclaves not currently under their control, the multinational fight to end their terror is being impeded by the Trump administration’s freeze on foreign aid. —

Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 4 Feb. 2025 The vice president replied that the efficacy of the entire screening process was in doubt, pointing to an Afghan national recently arrested for plotting a terror attack in Oklahoma as an example. —

Philip Wegmann, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2025 However, the terror organization included Shiri, Kfir and Ariel on the list of 33 hostages set to be released in the first phase of the ceasefire deal. —

Rachel Wolf, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025 Washington — Justice Department lawyers and defense attorneys for the three men accused of planning the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks squared off before a federal appeals court Tuesday in a court fight over whether plea agreements reached with the defendants last summer can go forward. —

Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for terror

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terror

Noun

According to Hindu scriptures, gods and demons once churned the cosmic ocean in search of the nectar of immortality.

— Kyra Colah, Fox News, 8 Feb. 2025
Lamar is also well aware of his demons and has made peace with his vices.

— Taylor Crumpton, TIME, 7 Feb. 2025