Admiration
Respect, Esteem, Reverence, Awe
Adoration
Love, Worship, Devotion, Reverence
Ambivalence
Uncertainty, Conflict, Mixed Feelings
Anger
Rage, Fury, Ire, Annoyance
Anticipation
Expectation, Excitement, Forethought
Apprehension
Fear, Anxiety, Misgiving, Worry
Awe
Wonder, Amazement, Reverence, Astonishment
Calmness
Serenity, Tranquility, Peacefulness
Curiosity
Interest, Inquisitiveness, Wonder
Cynicism
Skepticism, Disbelief, Distrust
Defensiveness
Guardedness, Resistance, Sensitivity
Desire
Want, Longing, Craving, Lust
Discontent
Unhappiness, Dissatisfaction, Restlessness
Disdain
Contempt, Scorn, Derision
Disgust
Revulsion, Repugnance, Aversion
Elation
Joy, Ecstasy, Exhilaration
Embarrassment
Shame, Discomfiture, Abashment
Empathy
Compassion, Understanding, Sympathy
Enthusiasm
Eagerness, Zeal, Excitement
Exuberance
Vivacity, Cheerfulness, Liveliness
Fatigue
Tiredness, Exhaustion, Weariness
Fear
Terror, Dread, Anxiety
Frustration
Irritation, Agitation, Discontentment
Gratitude
Thankfulness, Appreciation, Gratefulness
Indifference
Apathy, Disinterest, Unconcern
Indignation
Outrage, Anger, Annoyance
Inferiority
Subordination, Lower Status, Subjugation
Jealousy
Envy, Covetousness
Joy
Happiness, Pleasure, Delight
Loneliness
Isolation, Solitude, Alienation
Love
Affection, Devotion, Adoration
Melancholy
Sadness, Sorrow, Wistfulness
Mischievousness
Naughtiness, Playfulness, Mischief
Mistrust
Distrust, Doubt, Suspicion
Optimism
Hopefulness, Positivity, Confidence
Overwhelm
Engulf, Bury, Deluge, Flood
Pain
Suffering, Agony, Distress, Hurt
Power
Dominance, Control, Influence
Pride
Self-respect, Dignity, Honor
Regret
Remorse, Sorrow, Contrition
Rejection
Refusal, Dismissal, Spurning
Relief
Comfort, Reprieve, Alleviation
Remorse
Regret, Guilt, Contrition
Resentment
Bitterness, Spite, Grudge
Sadness
Sorrow, Grief, Unhappiness
Satisfaction
Contentment, Gratification, Pleasure
Serenity
Calm, Peace, Tranquility
Shock
Astonishment, Amazement, Surprise
Stubbornness
Obstinacy, Inflexibility, Rigidity
Surprise
Astonishment, Amazement, Shock
Trust
Confidence, Belief, Faith
Vulnerability
Weakness, Susceptibility, Frailty
Emotion prompts
Show, don't tell readers what your characters feel
A fearful or uneasy anticipation of the future; dread.
Related synonyms
Fear
Anxiety
Misgiving
Worry
Wringing hands
Restless foot tapping
Glancing around nervously
Swallowing frequently
Biting lower lip
Shuffling feet
Hesitant steps
Whispering concerns
Gripping objects tightly
Avoiding direct gaze
Darting eyes
Shallow, quick breaths
Tightening facial muscles
Tense posture
Stiff movements
Cautious gestures
Furrowing brows
Rubbing arms nervously
Pacing back and forth
Murmuring worries
Gut feeling of unease
Butterflies in stomach
Rising anxiety
Feeling on edge
Dreading outcomes
Tension building
Bracing for impact
Fearful anticipation
Hesitation
Sensing impending danger
Overthinking scenarios
Recalling past failures
Anticipating sprints
Feeling vulnerable
Worrying about outcomes
Mentally preparing
Rehearsing possible confrontations
Seeking reassurance
Constantly doubting
Replaying worst-case scenarios