feared
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for feared, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Regarded with fear or dread by others.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use feared
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English fard, feard, ferd, ferde, fered, equivalent to fear + -ed.
Full origin of feared →Frequently asked questions
What does “feared” mean?
The word “feared” means regarded with fear or dread by others. In plain terms, either "was afraid of" (past tense of fear) or "widely dreaded" (as an adjective).
How do you pronounce “feared”?
“Feared” is pronounced feerd (/fɪɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “feared” in a sentence?
Here is “feared” used in a sentence: “He was the most feared boxer of his generation.”
What part of speech is “feared”?
Depending on how it is used, “feared” can be an adjective and a verb.
Is “feared” a common word?
“Feared” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “feared” have?
“Feared” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: regarded with fear or dread by others.
What is the difference between 'feared' and 'frightened'?
'Feared' as an adjective means regarded with fear or dread by others, as in 'a feared opponent'. 'Frightened' means feeling fear oneself. A feared person causes fear, while a frightened person experiences it.
What is the difference between 'feared' and 'afraid'?
'Feared' is the past tense of the verb 'fear' and can also mean dreaded by others. 'Afraid' is an adjective describing how someone feels and is not a verb. You can say 'I feared the worst' but not 'I afraid the worst'.
What is the difference between 'feared' and 'revered'?
'Feared' means regarded with fear or dread, while 'revered' means regarded with deep respect and admiration. Both describe how others view someone, but the feelings are very different. A leader can be feared, revered, or both at once.