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Synonyms

dreading

American  
[dred-ing] / ˈdrɛd ɪŋ /

verb

  1. the present participle of dread.


Etymology

Origin of dreading

dread + -ing 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The couple is among thousands of immigrant parents hiding in their homes in Minneapolis, dreading that federal agents will come knocking.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

“We were dreading this. But unfortunately, I personally thought it’s a matter of when, not if.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 16, 2025

Whether you're excited for the seasonal sales or absolutely dreading them, it's hard to miss the countless emails and social media adverts on Black Friday deals.

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025

The scene everyone is dreading and/or waiting for doesn’t exist, so what exists in its place?

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 25, 2025

She was frozen in the moment she’d been dreading for hundreds of sleeps.

From "Orphan Island" by Laurel Snyder