phobia

noun

Definition of phobianext
as in panic
an extremely strong dislike or fear of someone or something His fear of crowds eventually developed into a phobia.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of phobia In his foundational research, Bandura demonstrated this through a now-famous series of studies involving individuals with severe phobias of snakes. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2026 This, Wright imagined, was one way Proxi might display its analysis of players’ minds, an aerial map of loves, phobias, triumphs, losses, pets, and near misses plus all the associations connecting them. — Eric Boodman, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2026 In Atlanta, some people living with SAD, as well as social phobia or even simple shyness, are facing their fears in a novel way. — Hunter Boyce, AJC.com, 24 Mar. 2026 Also, those with insect phobias should consider this when planning a visit. — Jessie Schiewe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for phobia
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phobia
  1. panic
  2. terror
  3. anxiety
  4. scare
  5. fright
Noun
  • The move set off a panic rush for tax and legal advice, and a scramble for cash to meet the bill.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Yohanna Embu, who lives in Sikka, said people ran in a panic to higher ground.
    — Yacob Herin, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of panic
Noun
  • The official did not provide further details on the alleged association with terror organizations.
    — Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • An experience that demands the big screen, featuring even more astounding effects choreography than its predecessor, Godzilla Minus Zero cranks up the terror while always keeping its post-WWII Japan narrative at human eye level.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of terror
Noun
  • As economic anxiety reshapes American masculinity, a growing subculture of young and working-class men is turning to maxxing out their bodies as a way to reclaim value in a labor market that increasingly devalues physical work.
    — Michael Kimmel, Time, 15 Aug. 2026
  • In other writings found on her cellphone, Clancy detailed her anxiety and depression, challenges raising her children and her hesitation to take new medication.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of anxiety
Noun
  • The musician gave an update on her upcoming album — and opened up about a startling 2019 health scare.
    — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The only scare for Buffalo was Moore coming up limping after his catch, with trainers and a team doctor examining his right foot and lower right leg.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of scare
Noun
  • But Broadway is a different beast, and the real question is whether horror audiences are willing to go beyond their local multiplex in search of frights.
    — William Earl, Variety, 12 Aug. 2026
  • After a couple of rounds of throwing up and an evaluation by the doctor, Coop is okay, but the whole thing puts a fright into the crew, and especially into Joy.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 July 2026
Definition of fright

Browse Nearby Words

phlegmatic
phobia
phobias
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Phobia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phobia. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on phobia

Nglish: Translation of phobia for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about phobia

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