1
2

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

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 anxiety In pursuit of perfection, people are over-relying on sleep wearables and data tracking, which in turn can cause more anxiety around sleep. Christine Yu, Outside Online, 17 Mar. 2025 The sudden unraveling of Syria has prompted public anxiety within Iran, where persistent repression and corruption have also driven a wedge between the government and its populace (as has secularization). Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 17 Mar. 2025 Some stimulants may increase the risk of developing heart problems or psychiatric problems like anxiety or depression. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 17 Mar. 2025 In the film, Shear stars as Sam, a once-promising law student whose anxiety has slowly chipped away at his confidence in all areas of his life. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anxiety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anxiety
Noun
  • By understanding where and when white sharks are most likely to be detected, researchers and policymakers can better communicate with the public about how to safely enjoy Maine’s beaches without unnecessary fear.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Swalwell says fear of retribution and violence silences others in Congress, including Republicans.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Last Friday, James Bergeron, the acting under secretary at the Education Department, sent a letter to colleges attempting to allay their worries about the layoffs.
    Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Some Tesla shareholders have expressed worry about the situation.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • That idea—of a grand continuum, in which the circumstances change but all of our big human feelings (heartache, joy, unease, panic, contentment) remain the same, across time and vast distances—felt germane to her new songs.
    Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Mix that with panic, dread, and disappointment from the judges, pack your bags!
    Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This can lead to an excess of sugar in the blood that, over time, can lead to a variety of health conditions and concerns.
    Alysse Dalessandro, Health, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The January fire at one of the world's largest battery storage plants, the Vistra Energy lithium battery plant in northern California, highlighted safety concerns.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • And Answers For Thursday, March 20 Design your location deliberately Live somewhere that inspires you, not fills you with dread.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Its wartime atmosphere gives it a sense of dread all its own and its set pieces are all doozies, especially the Statue of Liberty climax.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • As policy stances shift constantly, families are left with a sense of unease and confusion that is confounded by the stress of adjusting to their new lives.
    Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 19 Mar. 2025
  • As Khalil’s arrest in New York casts confusion and unease, educators and international students in the Chicago area and beyond are sounding the alarm and bracing for unprecedented intellectual repression.
    Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anxiety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anxiety. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on anxiety

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!