Dread
Dread noun - The emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger.
Usage example: we were filled with dread when we saw the rapids we would be rafting down
Fear is a synonym for dread in apprehension topic. In some cases you can use "Fear" instead the word "Dread" as a verb or a noun, when it comes to topics like feeling, state, anxiety, fright. popular alternative
Fear
Fear noun - The emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger.
Usage example: the sight of the headless horseman filled the schoolmaster with fear
Dread is a synonym for fear in be afraid of topic. You can use "Dread" instead the word "Fear" as a verb or a noun, if it concerns topics such as terror, apprehension, feel alarm, bugbear. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
How words are described
| old | old dread | old fear |
| particular | particular dread | particular fear |
| complete | complete dread | complete fear |
| utter | utter dread | utter fear |
| Other adjectives: total, true, genuine, sheer, deep, obvious, real, constant, great, bad, terrible, absolute, deep-seated, supernatural, instinctive, general, superstitious, overwhelming, greatest, sudden. | ||
Common collocations
Both words in one sentence
-
He displays no fear or dread, and he personally accepted responsibility to spare his men.
Source: Film / The Empire Strikes Back -
It's a wonder why at least some of the villians don't cringe in fear or dread over the thought of taking them on.
Source: Badass Army - Despite being not much stronger than the average vampire, Angelus always inspires fear and dread whenever he reasserts himself.
Cite this Source
Fear and Dread. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 14, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/dread/fear
Dread & Fear. N.p., 2016. Web. 14 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/dread/fear>.
Fear or Dread. 2016. Accessed August 14, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/dread/fear.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "dread" and "fear" have occurred on timeline