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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

Fear

An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.
Related synonyms
Terror
Dread
Anxiety
External/Physical
Wide eyes
Pale skin
Shivering
Sweaty palms
Rapid heartbeat
Stammered speech
Jumpy reactions
Glancing around nervously
Holding breath
Retreating steps
Hiding behind objects
Covering face
Lips quivering
Stiff posture
Jumping at noises
Gasping
Clenched hands
Avoiding shadows
Biting nails
Looking over shoulder
Internal/Physical
Churning stomach
Cold shivers down spine
Breath caught in throat
Rapid breathing
Feeling paralyzed
Heart in throat
Feeling trapped
Goosebumps
Shaky limbs
Hearing every little noise
Mental activity
Imagining worst-case scenarios
Overthinking reactions
Mind racing
Urgent need to escape
Praying for safety
Avoiding confrontation
Doubting abilities
Second-guessing decisions
Avoiding dark places