English Synonyms for Fear and Anxiety Vocabulary Words – Online Quiz!

acrophobia (noun) /ˌakrə(ʊ)ˈfəʊbɪə/
Meaning: This fear can be so severe that it interferes with a person's daily life and activities.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to acrophobia?
Options: fear of heights; comfort with heights; love of heights; eagerness for heights
Answer: fear
Synonyms: aerial; altitude; anxiety; apprehension; aversion; elevation; fear; fright; height; heights; phobia; terror
Example: "Her acrophobia made climbing the mountain an insurmountable challenge."

aerophobia (noun) /ˌɛər əˈfoʊ bi ə/
Meaning: It is a specific anxiety disorder characterized by extreme distress and anxiety when faced with the idea or experience of flying.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to aerophobia?
Options: fear of flying; comfort with flying; ease in flying; enjoyment of flying
Answer: fear
Synonyms: alarm; angst; anxiety; apprehension; aversion; aviophobia; dread; fear; fright; horror; panic; terror
Example: "The mere thought of boarding a plane triggered intense anxiety for those with aerophobia."

agoraphobia (noun) /ˌaɡ(ə)rəˈfəʊbɪə/
Meaning: Individuals with agoraphobia often experience intense anxiety and panic when they find themselves in certain environments such as crowded areas, public transportation, or open spaces.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to agoraphobia?
Options: fear of open spaces; comfort in open spaces; ease in crowds; love of public spaces
Answer: fear
Synonyms: anxiety; apprehension; aversion; discomfort; distress; dread; fear; panic; phobia; terror; trepidation; unease
Example: "Agoraphobia can severely limit a person's ability to leave their home."

ailurophobia (noun) /aɪˌlʊərəˈfəʊbɪə/
Meaning: It stems from the Greek words "ailouros," meaning cat, and "phobos," meaning fear.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to ailurophobia?
Options: cat fear; cat love; cat fondness; cat affection
Answer: cat
Synonyms: alarm; anxiety; apprehension; dread; fear; fright; galeophobia; gatophobia; horror; panic; scare; terror
Example: "Ailurophobia can make even the sight of a cat trigger anxiety in some individuals."

angst (noun) /aŋst/
Meaning: It represents a deep and often abstract emotional distress that can arise from contemplating life's uncertainties, the human condition, or one's place in the world.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to angst?
Options: anxiety; serenity; peace; calmness
Answer: anxiety
Synonyms: anguish; apprehension; concern; distress; perturbation; stress; torment; unease; worry
Example: "She couldn't shake the existential angst that kept her awake at night."

anxiety (noun) /aŋˈzʌɪɪti/
Meaning: It is a normal and often healthy emotion, but it can become overwhelming or excessive in some individuals.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to anxiety?
Options: nervousness; calm; peace; tranquility
Answer: nervousness
Synonyms: angst; apprehension; concern; disquiet; distress; doubt; foreboding; misgiving; tension
Example: "Anxiety gnawed at the edges of her mind, making it difficult to focus."

apprehension (noun) /ˌæp rɪˈhɛn ʃən/
Meaning: It represents a sense of worry or concern about an upcoming event, situation, or outcome.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to apprehension?
Options: anxiety; calmness; confidence; ease
Answer: anxiety
Synonyms: alarm; anxiety; concern; consternation; disquiet; dread; fear; misgiving; nervousness; trepidation; unease; worry
Example: "As the storm approached, a sense of apprehension filled the air."

apprehensive (adjective) /ˌaprɪˈhɛnsɪv/
Meaning: It refers to a sense of uncertainty or doubt about the outcome of a situation, and often results in feelings of nervousness or anxiety.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to apprehensive?
Options: fearful; confident; unafraid; assured
Answer: fearful
Synonyms: anxious; cautious; concerned; disquieted; jittery; jumpy; nervous; suspicious; uptight; wary
Example: "She felt apprehensive about the upcoming job interview."

aquaphobia (noun) /ˌæk wəˈfoʊ bi ə/
Meaning: It is a specific anxiety disorder characterized by extreme distress and anxiety when faced with the idea or experience of being in or around water.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to aquaphobia?
Options: water fear; aquaphilia; water love; water comfort
Answer: water
Synonyms: alarm; angst; anxiety; apprehension; bathophobia; dread; fear; fright; hydrophobia; panic; phobia; terror
Example: "Her aquaphobia made it challenging for her to enjoy beach vacations or participate in water activities."

arachnophobia (noun) /əˌraknəˈfəʊbɪə/
Meaning: This fear can be so severe that it interferes with a person's daily life and activities.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to arachnophobia?
Options: fear of spiders; love of spiders; comfort with spiders; indifference to spiders
Answer: fear
Synonyms: anxiety; apprehension; aversion; dread; dreadfulness; fear; horror; nervousness; panic; phobia; spiderophobia; terror
Example: "Her arachnophobia was so severe that even a picture of a spider could trigger a panic attack."

astraphobia (noun) /ˌæstrəˈfəʊbɪə/
Meaning: It is a specific anxiety disorder characterized by extreme distress and anxiety when faced with the idea or experience of a thunderstorm.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to astraphobia?
Options: fear of thunder; indifference to thunder; enjoyment of thunder; love of thunder
Answer: fear
Synonyms: angst; anxiety; apprehension; brontophobia; dread; fear; keraunophobia; panic; phobia; terror; tonitrophobia; trepidation
Example: "Her astraphobia intensified whenever dark clouds rolled in and thunder rumbled in the distance."

bravado (noun) /brəˈvɑːdəʊ/
Meaning: It is characterized by a show of courage, defiance, or audacity, and may be accompanied by a lack of genuine fear or concern.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to bravado?
Options: bravado; timidity; meekness; cowardice
Answer: bravado
Synonyms: arrogance; audacity; bluster; boastfulness; boasting; boldness; bravura; cockiness; confidence; egotism; showiness; showmanship
Example: "His bravado wowed the crowd, but inside, doubt gnawed at his confidence."

brazen (adjective) /ˈbreɪz(ə)n/
Meaning: Brazen refers to an attitude or behavior that is bold, daring, or impertinent, often in a way that is considered impudent or disrespectful.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to brazen?
Options: bold; shy; timid; modest
Answer: bold
Synonyms: audacious; barefaced; brash; defiant; forward; impudent; shameless; unabashed; unashamed
Example: "Her brazen attitude made her a formidable leader."

chutzpah (noun) /ˈʧʌtˌspɑ/
Meaning: It is a noun that refers to the quality or characteristic of being audacious, particularly in situations where one is not entitled to such boldness or where it is socially inappropriate.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to chutzpah?
Options: boldness; timidity; meekness; cowardice
Answer: boldness
Synonyms: audacity; boldness; brass; bravado; cheek; cheekiness; daring; effrontery; gall; guts; impudence; nerve
Example: "Her chutzpah in asking for a raise impressed her boss."

concern (verb) /kənˈsɜr/
Meaning: When someone or something is concerned, it means that they are involved or have a stake in a particular matter, and it holds significance or relevance to them.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to concern?
Options: worry; indifference; disregard; apathy
Answer: worry
Synonyms: affect; bother; care; disturb; engage; fret; interest; involve; perturb; preoccupy; trouble; worry
Example: "The safety of the children is our utmost concern."

concerned (adjective) /kənˈsɜːnd/
Meaning: When someone is concerned, it signifies that they have a vested interest in the outcome or well-being of a person, group, or thing.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to concerned?
Options: worried; unconcerned; indifferent; apathetic
Answer: worried
Synonyms: anxious; apprehensive; attentive; bothered; caring; disturbed; interested; involved; preoccupied; troubled; uneasy; worried
Example: "The teacher is concerned about the academic progress of her students."

consternation (noun) /kɒnstəˈneɪʃ(ə)n/
Meaning: It represents a strong emotional reaction characterized by feelings of alarm, bewilderment, and even helplessness when individuals are confronted with situations that defy their expectations or challenge their sense of security.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to consternation?
Options: dismay; calmness; composure; tranquility
Answer: dismay
Synonyms: alarm; anxiety; apprehension; bewilderment; distress; fear; fright; horror; panic; terror
Example: "The sudden cancellation of the event caused widespread consternation among attendees."

daunting (adjective) /ˈdɔːntɪŋ/
Meaning: For example, a task that is complex or difficult and that is therefore likely to be overwhelming or challenging might be described as being daunting.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to daunting?
Options: intimidating; encouraging; reassuring; comforting
Answer: intimidating
Synonyms: alarming; challenging; demoralizing; discouraging; disheartening; dismaying; dispiriting; forbidding; formidable; frightening; intimidating; menacing
Example: "Climbing the steep mountain was a daunting challenge for the inexperienced hiker."

disconcerting (adjective) /ˌdɪskənˈsəːtɪŋ/
Meaning: When something is disconcerting, it has the effect of unsettling or perturbing individuals, leaving them feeling disoriented or unsure of how to react.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to disconcerting?
Options: unsettling; comforting; reassuring; calming
Answer: unsettling
Synonyms: bothersome; discomfiting; disturbing; perturbing; troubling; unnerving; upsetting; worrying
Example: "The disconcerting news of the company's bankruptcy left the employees in shock."

eerie (adjective) /ˈɪəri/
Meaning: When something is characterized as eerie, it implies an atmosphere or quality that feels unusual, unnatural, or uncanny, often causing a shiver down the spine.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to eerie?
Options: spooky; normal; ordinary; reassuring
Answer: spooky
Synonyms: creepy; fearful; frightening; ghostly; mysterious; scary; sinister; spooky; uneasy; weird
Example: "The foggy forest had an eerie silence that made us feel like we weren't alone."

frantic (adjective) /ˈfræntɪk/
Meaning: It can also suggest a sense of urgency or desperation, as if one is trying to accomplish something quickly and without regard for the consequences.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to frantic?
Options: hysterical; composed; calm; serene
Answer: hysterical
Synonyms: desperate; distraught; fraught; frenetic; hectic; hysterical; overwrought; raving; worried
Example: "His frantic phone call alerted me to the emergency."

fraught (adjective) /frɔːt/
Meaning: The word is used to describe situations, relationships, or emotions that are filled with stress, worry, or fear, often due to uncertainty or potential danger.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to fraught?
Options: tense; relaxed; calm; easygoing
Answer: tense
Synonyms: agitated; anxious; charged; distracted; distressed; filled; packed; rife; teeming; tense
Example: "The negotiations between the two countries were fraught with tension and disagreements."

frightening (adjective) /ˈfraɪtnɪŋ/
Meaning: It characterizes situations, objects, or experiences that elicit intense and overwhelming feelings of fright or dread.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to frightening?
Options: terrifying; comforting; soothing; reassuring
Answer: terrifying
Synonyms: alarming; chilling; daunting; harrowing; intimidating; petrifying; scary; terrifying; unnerving
Example: "The sudden loud noise was startling and frightening to the young child."

monster (noun) /mɒn stər/
Meaning: This can include both real animals, like sharks or bears, as well as fictional creatures, such as Godzilla or King Kong.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to monster?
Options: beast; angel; saint; hero
Answer: beast
Synonyms: beast; brute; creature; daemon; demon; fiend; ghoul; goblin; monstrosity; ogre; specter; troll
Example: "The monster emerged from the deep waters, its colossal form sending shivers down their spines."

paranoia (noun) /ˌpærəˈnɔɪə/
Meaning: It is a mental state characterized by excessive anxiety and a constant sense of danger or threat, even in situations where there is no actual danger present.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to paranoia?
Options: distrust; trust; confidence; assurance
Answer: distrust
Synonyms: anxiety; apprehension; delusion; mistrust; neurosis; obsession; phobia; unease; worry
Example: "Her constant fear of being watched and followed revealed her deep-seated paranoia."

perilous (adjective) /ˈpɛrɪləs/
Meaning: When we use the term "perilous," we emphasize the high degree of hazard and vulnerability associated with a situation, activity, or condition.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to perilous?
Options: dangerous; safe; secure; harmless
Answer: dangerous
Synonyms: hazardous; menacing; precarious; serious; threatening; treacherous; unsafe; vulnerable
Example: "Climbing the steep, icy slope without proper equipment was a perilous endeavor."

perturbed (adjective) /pəˈtəːbd/
Meaning: When an individual is perturbed, they are experiencing a state of agitation or disquietude, often due to external factors that have caused them distress or concern.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to perturbed?
Options: disturbed; calm; untroubled; composed
Answer: disturbed
Synonyms: disconcerted; disquieted; disturbed; flustered; nervous; troubled; uncomfortable; uneasy
Example: "He looked perturbed when he heard the unsettling news about the impending storm."

phobia (noun) /ˈfoʊ bi ə/
Meaning: It is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by an overwhelming and persistent fear that goes beyond normal apprehension.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to phobia?
Options: fear; bravery; courage; fearlessness
Answer: fear
Synonyms: anxiety; apprehension; aversion; dread; fear; horror; panic; revulsion; terror; terrorization; trepidation; unease
Example: "She had a crippling phobia of flying, making travel a daunting task."

portentous (adjective) /pɔːˈtɛntəs/
Meaning: It can also describe something that is grandiose, impressive, or impressive in a way that is intended to be taken as a sign of something greater or more important.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to portentous?
Options: ominous; reassuring; auspicious; benign
Answer: ominous
Synonyms: alarming; baleful; dire; doomy; eerie; fateful; forbidding; foreboding; gloomy; inauspicious; menacing; momentous
Example: "The dark clouds gathering on the horizon seemed portentous of an impending storm."

skittish (adjective) /ˈskɪtɪʃ/
Meaning: A skittish person or animal may be easily startled by sudden movements or loud noises, and may exhibit a tendency to flee or run away in response to perceived threats.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to skittish?
Options: nervous; calm; confident; unflappable
Answer: nervous
Synonyms: excitable; fearful; fidgety; flighty; jittery; restive; spooked; timid; volatile
Example: "The skittish horse was easily spooked by loud noises."

spectre (noun) /ˈspɛktə/
Meaning: Much like a ghostly apparition, this spectre represents an abstract but palpable sense of foreboding, apprehension, or impending trouble.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to spectre?
Options: ghost; reality; certainty; assurance
Answer: ghost
Synonyms: ghost; phantom; apparition; wraith; spook; spirit; shade; poltergeist; haunting
Example: "The aggrieved widow stood silently by the graveside."

tension (noun) /ˈtɛnʃn/
Meaning: Tension can be caused by a variety of factors, such as conflicts, uncertainty, or fear, and it can manifest in different ways, such as physical discomfort, nervousness, or irritability.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to tension?
Options: stress; relaxation; calm; ease
Answer: stress
Synonyms: anxiety; apprehension; concern; edginess; nervousness; pressure; suspense; worry
Example: "The room was filled with palpable tension before the final exam started."

timid (adjective) /ˈtɪmɪd/
Meaning: It is often used to describe someone who is shy or lacks confidence in themselves.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to timid?
Options: shy; bold; confident; assertive
Answer: shy
Synonyms: afraid; apprehensive; cowardly; coy; fearful; nervous; pusillanimous; shy; skittish; timorous
Example: "The timid kitten cautiously approached the food bowl."

timorous (adjective) /ˈtɪm(ə)rəs/
Meaning: When a person is described as timorous, it suggests that they are prone to feelings of apprehension, nervousness, or reluctance, especially in social or unfamiliar situations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to timorous?
Options: fearful; brave; courageous; confident
Answer: fearful
Synonyms: apprehensive; bashful; coy; diffident; frightened; nervous; retiring; scared; shy; trembling
Example: "The timorous child hid behind his mother when the stranger approached."

trepidation (noun) /ˌtrɛpɪˈdeɪʃn/
Meaning: It is often used to describe a sense of nervousness or unease about an upcoming event or situation.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to trepidation?
Options: fear; confidence; calm; assurance
Answer: fear
Synonyms: consternation; dismay; disturbance; dread; emotion; fright; horror; panic; terror; worry
Example: "As the roller coaster climbed steeply, a feeling of trepidation settled in my stomach."

unabashed (adjective) /ʌnəˈbaʃt/
Meaning: It suggests a lack of self-consciousness or a sense of freedom from shame or guilt.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to unabashed?
Options: bold; ashamed; embarrassed; diffident
Answer: bold
Synonyms: assured; audacious; bold; brazen; confident; fearless; shameless; unapologetic; unashamed; unblushing; unconcerned; undaunted
Example: "She delivered an unabashed speech, boldly addressing the controversial topic."

unnerving (adjective) /ʌnˈnəːvɪŋ/
Meaning: When an experience or situation is deemed unnerving, it has the power to disturb one's composure or emotional equilibrium, often leading to heightened feelings of unease, apprehension, or even alarm.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to unnerving?
Options: disturbing; reassuring; comforting; soothing
Answer: disturbing
Synonyms: dismaying; disquieting; distracting; distressing; tense; uneasy; upsetting; worrisome
Example: "The eerie silence in the abandoned house was truly unnerving."

valiant (adjective) /ˈvalɪənt/
Meaning: When an individual is characterized as valiant, it signifies their willingness to display exceptional courage and determination in order to protect others, uphold noble principles, or face perilous circumstances.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to valiant?
Options: heroic; cowardly; timid; faint-hearted
Answer: heroic
Synonyms: bold; courageous; dauntless; fearless; gallant; heroic; indomitable; intrepid; valorous
Example: "The valiant firefighter rushed into the burning building to save lives."

xenophobic (adjective) /ˌzɛn əˈfoʊ bɪk/
Meaning: It signifies a deep-seated aversion or hostility towards individuals perceived as foreigners or outsiders.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to xenophobic?
Options: prejudiced; accepting; open-minded; tolerant
Answer: prejudiced
Synonyms: biased; bigoted; chauvinistic; discriminatory; ethnocentric; insular; intolerant; jingoistic; nativist; prejudiced; racist
Example: "Xenophobic sentiments have no place in a diverse and inclusive society."

zoophobia (noun) /ˌzəʊəˈfəʊbɪə/
Meaning: It is a specific phobia characterized by an overwhelming and persistent dread of any creature in the animal kingdom, ranging from insects to mammals.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to zoophobia?
Options: animal fear; animal love; animal comfort; zoophilia
Answer: animal
Synonyms: abhorrence; anxiety; apprehension; aversion; dread; fear; horror; panic; phobia; revulsion; terror; trepidation
Example: "Sarah's zoophobia prevents her from going anywhere near her neighbor's pet dog."