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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 eager crowd squealed and cheered the moment these two beauties—and their supportive boyfriends—stepped into view. —

Akili King, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024 The event, held as part of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, was saw an intense competition among six drivers eager to clinch one of the final two spots in the Championship 4. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 The project is hosted by Zooniverse, a platform that connects researchers with volunteers who are eager to help. —

Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 For those intrigued by this celestial event and eager to learn about more upcoming astronomical occurrences, check out our astronomical calendar. —

Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for eager

Recent Examples of Synonyms for eager

Adjective

Indeed, across social media on Wednesday, people were hoping — praying, even — that these ominous, panic-inducing spam messages might finally end, posting pictures of thoughtful politicians, or even excited Oprahs, to illustrate the point.

David Mack, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024
Universal Studios is apparently just as eager as Back to the Future fans for a fourth film — but director Robert Zemeckis isn’t as excited about the possibility.

Sara Belcher, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024