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
One of those is Tess, who told WITI-TV her daughter is panicking over having to find a new venue within three weeks. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025 Investors who panicked and sold missed out on one of the fastest market recoveries in history, as the S&P 500 rebounded to new all-time highs within months. True Tamplin, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for panic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for panic
Noun
  • Adolescence escalates all these issues and fears to their most horrifying symbolic end.
    Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The spread of antivaccine misinformation in the previous year had caused fear and uncertainty, which kept many families from vaccinating their children against measles.
    Dr. Josh Green, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • As part of their efforts, the duo are trained to simply scare the animals off and run five to seven miles daily, rain or shine.
    Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Ant scare Anthony Edwards finished with a team-high 28 points on an efficient 10-for-15 shooting from the field.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 4 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
  • For the next year, Munn battled postpartum anxiety.
    Danielle Pergament, SELF, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • For the most part, yes, although children ages 8 and younger might be frightened by some of the action sequences.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Despite these protections on paper, permanent residents and visa-holders have been frightened by the speed and ferocity of the Trump administration’s crackdown and its bulldozing of due process rights, said Neil A. Weinrib, an immigration attorney for more than four decades.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 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
  • Our familiar route turned into an obstacle course of dread, and every step toward the school building sent him deeper into a panicked spiral.
    Elizabeth Austin, Time, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Once the innie enters the room, it is forced to engage in an activity which coincides with things Gemma fears (going to the dentist, airplane turbulence) or dreads (writing thank-you cards).
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • One of the movie’s scenes — startling for its frankness but also its visual beauty — finds the men reclined in the dark of the mine.
    The New York Times, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The investigations left some school leaders startled and confused, wondering what prompted the inquiries.
    Cheyanne Mumphrey, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Panic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/panic. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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