dreaded
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past participleof dread.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
dreadverb (used with object)to fear greatly; be in extreme apprehension of. -
past tense formof dread.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
dreadverb (used with object)to fear greatly; be in extreme apprehension of.
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.
But the social and economic grievances that boiled over so violently have not gone away, and nobody can escape the dreaded question: What’s next?
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2026
Nelson said he "dreaded the summer holidays approaching" because he knew his mother "would be spending a lot of time on the Garvaghy Road".
From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026
Call it a win, call it an escape, call it the clandestine claw of the dreaded Wolverine.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 6, 2026
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "We'll start getting rid of the dreaded 'ironing board seats' so passengers can enjoy comfier, more pleasant journeys on some of Britain's busiest commuter routes."
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026
The dreaded Stasi, the German secret police, had agents and informers everywhere.
From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin
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