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Emotion prompts
Show, don't tell readers what your characters feel

    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

Defensiveness

A quality of being reactive or overly sensitive to criticism or perceived attacks.
Related synonyms
Guardedness
Resistance
Sensitivity
External/Physical
Rigid posture
Crossed arms
Furrowed brows
Clipped tone
Avoiding eye contact
Backing away
Raised voice
Defiant stance
Guarded expression
Interrupting others
Tightened jaw
Balled fists
Quick to retort
Deflecting blame
Hesitant admissions
Sarcastic remarks
Gritted teeth
Rebutting quickly
Building a wall
Blocking body language
Internal/Physical
Feeling attacked
Rising temper
Guarding feelings
Sense of vulnerability
Anticipating blame
Feeling cornered
Sensing danger
Bracing for criticism
Being on edge
Ready to argue
Mental activity
Building arguments in mind
Looking for an exit
Feeling the need to justify
Rehearsing explanations
Building a shield mentally
Denying accusations
Replaying events
Searching for validation
Holding onto pride
Mentally rejecting criticism