ANXIETY Synonyms: 118 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'anxiety' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of anxiety are care , concern , solicitude , and worry . While all these words mean "a troubled or engrossed state of mind or the thing that causes this," anxiety stresses anguished uncertainty or fear of misfortune or failure. // plagued by anxiety and self-doubt

Q: Where would 'care' be a reasonable alternative to 'anxiety'?

The meanings of care and anxiety largely overlap; however, care implies oppression of the mind weighed down by responsibility or disquieted by apprehension. // a face worn by years of care

Q: When would 'concern' be a good substitute for 'anxiety'?

The words concern and anxiety can be used in similar contexts, but concern implies a troubled state of mind because of personal interest, relation, or affection. // crimes caused concern in the neighborhood

Q: When is it sensible to use 'solicitude' instead of 'anxiety'?

The synonyms solicitude and anxiety are sometimes interchangeable, but solicitude implies great concern and connotes either thoughtful or hovering attentiveness toward another. // acted with typical maternal solicitude

Q: When might 'worry' be a better fit than 'anxiety'?

The words worry and anxiety are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, worry suggests fretting over matters that may or may not be real cause for anxiety. // financial worries

anxiety

noun

aŋ-ˈzī-ə-tē

Definition of anxiety next

as in fear

an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble Dorothy's anxiety about her brother's operation kept her awake all night

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fearfulness

the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger the newly discovered virus is creating considerable anxiety in the public at large

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word anxiety distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of anxiety are care, concern, solicitude, and worry. While all these words mean "a troubled or engrossed state of mind or the thing that causes this," anxiety stresses anguished uncertainty or fear of misfortune or failure.

plagued by anxiety and self-doubt

Where would care be a reasonable alternative to anxiety?

The meanings of care and anxiety largely overlap; however, care implies oppression of the mind weighed down by responsibility or disquieted by apprehension.

a face worn by years of care

When would concern be a good substitute for anxiety?

The words concern and anxiety can be used in similar contexts, but concern implies a troubled state of mind because of personal interest, relation, or affection.

crimes caused concern in the neighborhood

When is it sensible to use solicitude instead of anxiety?

The synonyms solicitude and anxiety are sometimes interchangeable, but solicitude implies great concern and connotes either thoughtful or hovering attentiveness toward another.

acted with typical maternal solicitude

When might worry be a better fit than anxiety?

The words worry and anxiety are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, worry suggests fretting over matters that may or may not be real cause for anxiety.

financial worries

Examples 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 anxiety Whereas, nine out of the bottom 10 states to find a job went for Donald Trump in the 2024 election which was defined by economic anxiety. —

Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024 The more campaign ads a person is exposed to, the greater the risk of being diagnosed with anxiety, depression or another psychological ailment, according to a 2022 study in the journal PLOS One. —

Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times, 20 Nov. 2024 Just the anxiety, first of all, being in there with Dre — and second, just the level of smoking. —

Andres Tardio, Billboard, 19 Nov. 2024 Psychiatric problems — marked anxiety or panic attacks progressing to temporary psychosis and even schizophrenia-like psychotic illness — are presenting more frequently in emergency rooms. —

Dr. Jerrold B. Leikin, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for anxiety

Recent Examples of Synonyms for anxiety

Noun

Meanwhile, fears are growing that pressure to address the spiraling humanitarian crisis in Gaza will fade as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office.

Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
The shame and fear from that policy linger on, even generations later.

Josh Becker, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024