as in terrifying
causing fear
every ship on the Spanish Main was terrified of running into the dread pirate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in worry
suspicion or fear of future harm or misfortune
the dread felt by people awaiting bad news
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fear
the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger
we were filled with dread when we saw the rapids we would be rafting down
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in terror
something or someone that causes fear or dread especially without reason
speaking in public is a perennial dread for many people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dread
Erik Kain, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Presence is something else, a film that builds dread but also has some poetry in its heart.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025
Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025
Like previous seasons, the show maintains its signature blend of social satire, psychological tension, and mounting dread, while exploring new themes specific to its Japanese setting – exploring the commodification of tradition and ghosts of imperial pasts.
—Martine Paris, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 19 Mar. 2025
For instance, Mercury is the planet of communication, thought processes and technology, which is why many often dread the effects that come with this astrological phenomenon.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dread
Adjective
The thrumming bass undercurrent, rising like some dread unknown beneath it all.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Presence is something else, a film that builds dread but also has some poetry in its heart.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
The nervous dread subsided, for once, and the roars returned as the Sox triumphed.
—Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025
Like previous seasons, the show maintains its signature blend of social satire, psychological tension, and mounting dread, while exploring new themes specific to its Japanese setting – exploring the commodification of tradition and ghosts of imperial pasts.
—Martine Paris, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
The anticipation of this discomfort can cause people to dread any form of intimacy.
—Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 19 Mar. 2025
For instance, Mercury is the planet of communication, thought processes and technology, which is why many often dread the effects that come with this astrological phenomenon.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dread
Adjective
-
The teaser trailer showcases the epic highs and lows of professional football, with a focus on the lows, as all of this looks terrifying.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
-
But despite the terrifying name, giant viruses aren’t necessarily any more dangerous than a standard-sized species.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Bits and pieces to friends, tender moments and worries to others.—
Kristina Goetz,
USA Today,
13 Apr. 2025
-
This is important because lower yields can help the economy and are the typical bond reaction during worries about economic growth.—
Bill Stone,
Forbes.com,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Orr’s study also found that even as silence about climate change can spiral into deeper fears of speaking out, speaking about the issue can drive a spiral toward further discussion and action — and that individual conversations can play a surprisingly large role.—
Saul Elbein,
The Hill,
17 Apr. 2025
-
In that case, sour consumer sentiment also served as a major source of fear.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The report was commissioned after the deadly New Year's Day terror attack on Bourbon Street when a man intentionally drove a pickup truck into a crowd of revelers.—
Kierra Frazier,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2025
-
The suspect is now facing charges of assault with bodily injury with a previous conviction, injury to the elderly, continuous violence against family, resisting arrest and terror threat of family, McLennan County Jail records seen by PEOPLE show.—
Becca Longmire,
People.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In the episode, O'Dowd and Jones play Mike and Amanda, respectively, a couple living a happy and simple life until Amanda suffers a frightening medical emergency and passes out.—
Christopher Rudolph,
People.com,
11 Apr. 2025
-
But don't let the name fool you, Murderbot isn't actually the frightening story of a dangerous security robot.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Consumer sentiment fell sharply in April, marking the fourth consecutive month of declines, as an intensifying trade war fueled anxiety over American jobs and rising inflation.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2025
-
For the next year, Munn battled postpartum anxiety.—
Danielle Pergament,
SELF,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
While there is indeed connective tissue between the many forms of hate that plague our society, each has its own contours, and there are moments that demand addressing each one specifically – this is such a moment for antisemitism.—
Sara Colb,
Boston Herald,
16 Apr. 2025
-
When plague struck again, only 18 ferrets remained.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The frontman proved expressive and animated despite serious hearing issues that sidelined him for a few scary years, and a voice that, understandably, doesn’t always have the sustain and power of earlier days.—
Katherine Turman,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Apr. 2025
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Stocks have outperformed cash, bonds, and inflation by a wide margin over the long term despite many setbacks, many much scarier than tariffs or recession.—
Bill Stone,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dread.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dread. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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