panic 1 of 2

panic

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word panic distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of panic are alarm, dread, fear, fright, terror, and trepidation. While all these words mean "painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger," panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity.

the news caused widespread panic

In what contexts can alarm take the place of panic?

The words alarm and panic can be used in similar contexts, but alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.

view the situation with alarm

When could dread be used to replace panic?

Although the words dread and panic have much in common, dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety.

faced the meeting with dread

When is it sensible to use fear instead of panic?

While the synonyms fear and panic are close in meaning, fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage.

fear of the unknown

When would fright be a good substitute for panic?

The synonyms fright and panic are sometimes interchangeable, but fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear.

fright at being awakened suddenly

When can terror be used instead of panic?

The meanings of terror and panic largely overlap; however, terror implies the most extreme degree of fear.

immobilized with terror

How do trepidation and dread relate to one another, in the sense of panic?

Trepidation adds to dread the implications of timidity, trembling, and hesitation.

raised the subject with trepidation

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of panic
Noun
As the deadline for obtaining a Real ID approaches, many Americans are scrambling to secure an appointment, some expressing panic over long delays at state DMVs. Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, Toontown is in a panic from the disappearance of its star attraction. Frank Rizzo, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
Don’t wait until after your test to panic and scramble to figure out what just happened. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 There’s been some speculation about both the timeline of the shooting and the boats that leave the resort, based mostly on the fact that none of the departing guests seem to be panicking about people being killed. Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for panic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for panic
Noun
  • Hayes said he’s had to take a leave of absence from his job over the fear of what might happen to his family.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The rare encounter highlights accelerating efforts by two longtime regional rivals to stabilize relations amid mounting fears of broader conflict, especially with tensions flaring across Gaza, Syria, and the Red Sea, as Washington's pressure grows on Iran's proxy in the Middle East.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Missouri product is a solid route-runner with sure hands, but there are some off-field concerns that could scare teams away.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Apr. 2025
  • As the Trump administration arbitrarily revokes and denies student visas, and xenophobic rhetoric scares away potential foreigners, agencies specializing in recruiting students from abroad are facing a sharp downturn.
    Emma Whitford, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Consumer sentiment fell sharply in April, marking the fourth consecutive month of declines, as an intensifying trade war fueled anxiety over American jobs and rising inflation.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Is loyalty to an old friend and/or anxiety about having a kid reason enough to spend a day or two away from a wife who could go into labor at any minute?
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Two years ago, several small-business owners testified to a legislative committee that Americans with Disabilities Act plaintiffs’ lawyers filed spurious complaints, alleging what appeared to be a random list of violations in an attempt to frighten and intimidate the business owner.
    Mark Hillman, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2025
  • This has hallmarks of emotional abuse – non-physical behaviors meant to isolate, control and frighten.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Robbins’ parents were terrified that the school was using the laptop to spy on their son and other students (including their daughter Paige).
    Barry Levitt, Time, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The thought of dying without finding out what happened to her son terrifies Petrone.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For many, as the rain kept falling, there was a sense of dread that the worst was still to come.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Thus, the fear of displacement has not become a distant memory but a continuous dread as the age of gentrification looms over the neighborhood.
    Alyza J Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In a now-viral video from Stacy Goss, the family was startled by the sight of a huge bald eagle gawking at them, but more concerningly, at their dog Gnocchi.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Area residents might remember similar sights of helicopters in 2023, when the sounds of gunfire and explosions from military training startled some in the Kansas City metro.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Panic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/panic. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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