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 lack of trust or confidence in someone or something.
Related synonyms
Distrust
Doubt
Suspicion
Narrowed eyes
Furrowed brows
Guarded stance
Keeping distance
Skeptical expression
Crossed arms
Cool demeanor
Sidelong glances
Checking surroundings
Tense posture
Limited verbal response
Closed off body language
Clasped hands
"Quick, guarded movements"
Avoiding direct eye contact
Analyzing gestures
Evaluating words
Constant vigilance
Quick to retract
Guarded movements
Feeling on edge
Anticipating deceit
Doubtful sensations
Guarding emotions
Sensing danger
Feeling wary
Anticipating betrayal
Being on guard
Hesitation
Doubting inner voice
Doubting motives
Being wary of intentions
Anticipating tricks
Guarding secrets
Dissecting words
Feeling defensive
Validating facts
Replaying interactions
Building emotional barriers