EAGER Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'eager' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of eager are anxious , athirst , avid , and keen . While all these words mean "moved by a strong and urgent desire or interest," eager implies ardor and enthusiasm and sometimes impatience at delay or restraint. // eager to get started

Q: When might 'anxious' be a better fit than 'eager'?

The words anxious and eager can be used in similar contexts, but anxious emphasizes fear of frustration or failure or disappointment. // anxious not to make a social blunder

Q: When can 'athirst' be used instead of 'eager'?

The synonyms athirst and eager are sometimes interchangeable, but athirst stresses yearning but not necessarily readiness for action. // athirst for adventure

Q: How are the words 'avid' and 'eager' related?

Avid adds to eager the implication of insatiability or greed. // avid for new thrills

Q: Where would 'keen' be a reasonable alternative to 'eager'?

While in some cases nearly identical to eager , keen suggests intensity of interest and quick responsiveness in action. // keen on the latest fashions

eager

adjective

ˈē-gər

Definition of eager next

as in excited

showing urgent desire or interest Tom was eager to try out his new pair of skis

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How is the word eager distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of eager are anxious, athirst, avid, and keen. While all these words mean "moved by a strong and urgent desire or interest," eager implies ardor and enthusiasm and sometimes impatience at delay or restraint.

eager to get started

When might anxious be a better fit than eager?

The words anxious and eager can be used in similar contexts, but anxious emphasizes fear of frustration or failure or disappointment.

anxious not to make a social blunder

When can athirst be used instead of eager?

The synonyms athirst and eager are sometimes interchangeable, but athirst stresses yearning but not necessarily readiness for action.

athirst for adventure

How are the words avid and eager related?

Avid adds to eager the implication of insatiability or greed.

avid for new thrills

Where would keen be a reasonable alternative to eager?

While in some cases nearly identical to eager, keen suggests intensity of interest and quick responsiveness in action.

keen on the latest fashions

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 eager The 2024 Holiday Trend Report from the resale marketplace highlights the products, brands and fashion trends that consumers are most eager to discover as the holiday season approaches. —

Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 Nov. 2024 Boston College will be eager to prove their resilience after their recent loss, while Providence aims to continue their momentum and potentially move up in the rankings with a signature win. —

Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024 But while some big-box stores are still seeing shoppers eager to buy nonessentials, others are flagging the reverse — indicating that not all discretionary spending is equal this season. —

Rob Wile, NBC News, 20 Nov. 2024 But if Democrats wanted to gravitate towards someone from any of the seven presidential battlegrounds, the fact that the Harris-Walz ticket lost every one of them may prove to be a hindrance for a party incredibly eager to avoid a repeat performance in 2028. —

Aaron Navarro, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for eager

Recent Examples of Synonyms for eager

Adjective

Perhaps no one was more excited than her son, Michael, who danced in front of her during her 3-minute speech.

Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
The 12-year-old started poking fun at his little brother for being so excited about his new bed.

Caleb Harris, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024