care 1 of 2

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as in concern
attention accompanied by protectiveness and responsibility that's an extremely valuable violin, so handle it with care

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in custody
responsibility for the safety and well-being of someone or something while you're under my care, you'll do as you're told

Synonyms & Similar Words

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care

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verb

as in to watch
to have an interest or concern for a teacher who cares what happens to her students long after they leave her classroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word care distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of care are anxiety, concern, solicitude, and worry. While all these words mean "a troubled or engrossed state of mind or the thing that causes this," care implies oppression of the mind weighed down by responsibility or disquieted by apprehension.

a face worn by years of care

When can anxiety be used instead of care?

The meanings of anxiety and care largely overlap; however, anxiety stresses anguished uncertainty or fear of misfortune or failure.

plagued by anxiety and self-doubt

When might concern be a better fit than care?

While in some cases nearly identical to care, concern implies a troubled state of mind because of personal interest, relation, or affection.

crimes caused concern in the neighborhood

When would solicitude be a good substitute for care?

Although the words solicitude and care have much in common, solicitude implies great concern and connotes either thoughtful or hovering attentiveness toward another.

acted with typical maternal solicitude

Where would worry be a reasonable alternative to care?

The words worry and care 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

Example 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 care
Noun
Hundreds of studies have found that Medicaid expansion has improved access to care and the health of the people who gained coverage, while reducing mortality and bolstering state economies, among other positive outcomes. Nicole Huberfeld, The Conversation, 3 Mar. 2025 In the lead up to my son’s transition, there was a two-year wait list for gender-affirming care. Amy-Lynn Fischer, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
The architect makes a big show of appearing to care, telling the project manager to send his guys home for the rest of the day. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 4 Mar. 2025 Rural seniors would suffer the most, as restricted provider networks and underfunded hospitals already limit access to care in these areas. Erin Everett, Sun Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for care
Recent Examples of Synonyms for care
Noun
  • There’s been a lot of attention this spring on the Red Sox’s uncertainty at third base.
    Chad Jennings, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • To command attention, develop a memorable visual identity, create a tone and voice that truly resonate, and ensure every interaction reflects your core values.
    Melissa Houston, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Lawmakers, including Democrats and some Republicans, have voiced concerns, particularly over the potential loss of successful USAID programs that have helped combat Ebola and provided life-saving HIV/AIDS treatment in Africa.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Are there like-minded employees or managers who share your concerns?
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Another major worry for those who’ve been able to live in their homes is all the trash.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2025
  • What the public worries about is clarity from their politicians.
    Carlton Reid, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • One gun and several suspects are in custody, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens said.
    Kristie Cattafi, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Man Threatened with Fine for Attempting to Reenter the U.S. with This Common Item After Vacation Victoria Police said Friday that the juvenile has been detained in custody since the incident and is expected to appear in child court at a later date.
    Rachel McRady, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In the United Kingdom, the People’s Pension, one of the country’s largest master trust pensions, recently began shifting assets away from U.S. asset manager State Street due to concerns about its stewardship of climate risk, Net Zero Investor reported.
    John Kostyack, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • She’s expected to prosecute the case against Trump’s stewardship of U.S. foreign policy in particular.
    Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • After receiving a takeover bid from Couche-Tard last year, Seven & I’s founding family had begun talks to take the convenience store owner private in what would have been the largest management buyout in history if successful.
    Reuters, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Running Point, on the other hand, is just an exercise in brand management.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Best Hair Oils for Fine Hair, According to Editors Now, watch Tate McRae walk through her glowy makeup routine: Shop all of our latest obsessions in one place!
    Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Paramount+ Essential Plan subscribers can watch new episodes the following day.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • There’s a reason for his caution: President Trump’s ever-changing, on-again, off-again tariff war with America’s three biggest trading partners — Mexico, Canada and China.
    Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Historical data suggests caution: Rising unemployment rates and a reversion of the yield curve often precede recessions.
    Gene Goldman, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Care.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/care. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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