Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Afraid” — 4 Other Ways to Say It
Feeling scared or worried about something.
Meaning of Afraid
Feeling fear or anxiety about something that might happen or is happening.
How to Pronounce Afraid
IPA: /əˈfreɪd/ Stress: oO
Two syllables, stress on second. First vowel is schwa /ə/, second contains the long /eɪ/ sound like in "say".
4 Synonyms for Afraid — Words Similar to Afraid
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
Smart Synonyms for Afraid — When to Use Each
scared
for common everyday fears or sudden fright
fearful
for formal or literary contexts with deeper worry
anxious
when fear involves uncertainty or anticipation
Antonyms of Afraid — Opposite Words
How to Use Afraid and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- He was afraid of the dark when he was a child. A2
- They are afraid to speak in public. A2
- I'm afraid that we cannot extend the deadline for this assignment. B1
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Afraid
What is another word for "afraid"?
Common synonyms for "afraid" include: scared, frightened, fearful, anxious.
What can I say instead of "afraid"?
Try one of these alternatives: scared, frightened, fearful, anxious. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "afraid" formal or informal?
"afraid" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "afraid" instead of "scared"?
Use "afraid" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "scared" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.
What are the antonyms of "afraid"?
Words with the opposite meaning of "afraid" include: brave, fearless, confident.