The word 'afraid' is often associated with fear and anxiety, but there are many other words that can be used to describe this feeling. Synonyms for the word 'afraid' include scared, frightened, nervous, anxious, terrified, uneasy, apprehensive, panicky, and jumpy. Each of these words has its nuances and connotations; for example, 'scared' may suggest a sudden fright, while 'anxious' implies a more prolonged worry. Using synonyms for 'afraid' can help to add variety to your writing, allowing you to paint a more vivid picture of your character's emotions and the situations they are in.