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 incoming Trump administration is eager to keep physician trade groups away from the levers of power. —

David Williams, Baltimore Sun, 15 Dec. 2024 Taylor and Travis are eager to spend quality time together because [that’s when] the little nuances about someone’s personality and habits come into play. —

Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 15 Dec. 2024 The magazine’s editors are always eager to emphasize that the title is intended to recognize the person who has had the greatest impact during the year, whether positive or negative. —

Niall Stanage, The Hill, 14 Dec. 2024 Parlatore told reporters Hegseth was eager to initiate the process and will fully cooperate. —

Arden Farhi, CBS News, 6 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for eager

Recent Examples of Synonyms for eager

Adjective

Advertisement Prospective renters shouldn’t get too excited, however.

Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024
And, in fact, the American consumer today, as well as corporate America, is quite excited about what the Trump administration is talking about, and the business environment is very positive.

CBS News, CBS News, 15 Dec. 2024