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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

Shock

A sudden and disturbing vivid sensation or emotional blow.
Related synonyms
Astonishment
Amazement
Surprise
External/Physical
Wide eyes
Open mouth
Frozen stance
Pale face
Stammering words
Gasping for breath
Shaking head in disbelief
Stumbling back
Touching face in disbelief
Dropping held items
Fluttering heartbeat
Raised eyebrows
Covering mouth with hand
Silent for moments
Holding chest
Rapid breathing
Cold sweat
Dazed look
Frantic gaze
Trembling hands
Internal/Physical
Racing heart
Feeling stunned
Cold wave inside
Disbelief
Emotional upheaval
Churning stomach
Feeling disconnected
Numbness
Mental whirlwind
Struggling to process
Mental activity
Replaying the event
Trying to make sense
Denying reality
Feeling overwhelmed
Seeking clarity
Grasping for understanding
Desiring confirmation
Rejecting implications
Seeking grounding