1
: causing or likely to cause fear, fright, or alarm especially because of dangerous quality
a fearful storm
2
a
: full of fear
fearful for his safety
b
: indicating or arising from fear
a fearful glance
c
: inclined to fear : timorous
3
: very great or bad
—used as an intensive
a fearful waste
fearful slum conditions
Synonyms
Examples of fearful in a Sentence
He plays the role of a timid and fearful clerk.
They won the war but at a fearful cost.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ronan Farrow described how this narrative held power for more than 20 years, largely because media outlets, fearful of Allen’s power in the industry, didn’t want to consider his sister’s side of the story.
—
Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 27 Dec. 2024
The Labour government, fearful that Musk could have a decisive effect, is eyeing ways to neuter his influence.
—Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 23 Dec. 2024
Ferrer takes Dexter outside, and kudos to our budding sociopath for his brilliant performance as someone genuinely fearful for his life.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024
In addition, people are generally fearful and anxious today—and friends help provide a sense of belonging, security and camaraderie in the midst of uncertain times.
—Tracy Brower, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fearful 
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.
Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 27 Dec. 2024
The Labour government, fearful that Musk could have a decisive effect, is eyeing ways to neuter his influence.
—Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 23 Dec. 2024
Ferrer takes Dexter outside, and kudos to our budding sociopath for his brilliant performance as someone genuinely fearful for his life.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024
In addition, people are generally fearful and anxious today—and friends help provide a sense of belonging, security and camaraderie in the midst of uncertain times.
—Tracy Brower, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fearful
Dictionary Entries Near fearful
Cite this Entry
“Fearful.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fearful. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fearful
adjective
fear·ful
ˈfi(ə)r-fəl 
1
: causing fear
the fearful roar of a lion
2
: filled with fear
fearful of danger
3
: showing or caused by fear
a fearful glance
4
: extremely bad, large, or intense
fearful cold
fearfulness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share