The phrase "are afraid" is an expression that conveys a sense of fear or apprehension. There are many synonyms that can be used to convey this emotion such as "terrified," "frightened," "scared," "intimidated," "worried," "anxious," "nervous," "panicked," "timid," and "trembling." The choice of synonym would depend on the level and intensity of the fear being experienced. For example, "terrified" is a more extreme synonym than "nervous" or "anxious," which may suggest a more mild sense of apprehension. Overall, using synonyms for "are afraid" can help to convey various nuances of fear in writing and communication.