Need another word for Dread? Use these synonyms of Dread from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
fear
anxiety
apprehension
trepidation
alarm
unease
dismay
horror
terror
fright
intimidation
awe
consternation
distress
discomfort
misgiving
apprehensiveness
nervousness
jitteriness
uneasiness
disquiet
disquietude
apprehension
foreboding
boding
ominousness
gloom
gloominess
darkness
direness
dreadfulness
fearfulness
timidity
timorousness
cowardice
cravenness
Meaning of Dread
The primary meaning of the word "dread" is a feeling of great fear or anxiety about something that may happen.
Definitions
- A feeling of great fear or anxiety about something that may happen
- A person or thing that is feared or regarded with awe
- To feel great fear or anxiety about something that may happen
Etymology of Dread
The word "dread" has its roots in Old English "adrēdan", which means to fear or dread, and is related to the word "adrēd", meaning fear or dread
The word has been used in the English language since the 9th century to describe a feeling of fear or anxiety
Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a range of emotions, from fear and anxiety to awe and reverence
Example Uses
- I dread going to the dentist because I'm afraid of the pain
- The thought of public speaking fills me with dread
- The old mansion was a place of dread for the local children, who believed it to be haunted
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
courage
bravery
fearlessness
confidence
assurance
comfort
solace
reassurance
calmness
tranquility
serenity
peacefulness
cheerfulness
optimism
hopefulness
enthusiasm
eagerness
excitement
anticipation
expectation
delight
pleasure
enjoyment
thrill
exhilaration
ecstasy