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

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

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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

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 The sounds of the terror bird (phorusrhacids) was based on a prototype, which was modeled on the larynx of an extinct terror bird species. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026 Unfettered occupation and ethnic cleansing will provoke resistance and terror attacks. — Trudy Rubin, Twin Cities, 18 Aug. 2026 If the 25-year war on terror really is over, its repercussions are not. — Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 The architect of a terror campaign only received 14 years in prison and has been free since 2020. — Daniel Markind, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for terror

Recent Examples of Synonyms for terror

Noun

And Elwood was battling his own demons, having become addicted to opioids prescribed after a hip operation.

— Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
As told in the Devi Mahatmya, the gods are beset by the demon (asura) Mahishasura, who received a boon that he cannot be killed by a man—but he can be killed by a woman.

— Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of demon

Noun

As families wait for news about their relatives, damaged roads, power outages and fears of further flooding have hampered rescue efforts.

— Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
The announcement is spurring fears of a fresh wave of Canadian travelers steering clear of the US.

— Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of fear

Noun

The joy Lisa has with her RHUGT cast compared with the dread her RHOSLC cast seems to bring her really bums me out — especially because of how much of this trip is championing the sisterhood of Housewives.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Along with this came the profound dread that straight white men (like me) felt about saying a single wrong sentence and facing the possibility of permanent exile without forgiveness.

— Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of dread

Noun

There’s a lot of panic right now about the bumpy intersection of artificial intelligence and art-making.

— Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2026
Unwilling to expose himself in this moment, Paul Baker juggles both of his competing personas, continuing the bro-y shouting but with a new panic in his voice and in Jack Innanen’s expressions.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of panic

Browse Nearby Words

territory

terror

terrorism

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“Terror.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/terror. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of terror

noun

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Synonyms of terror

noun

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The History of the Word 'Terrorism'

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