Synonym Chooser

How is the word solicitude distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of solicitude are anxiety, care, concern, and worry. While all these words mean "a troubled or engrossed state of mind or the thing that causes this," solicitude implies great concern and connotes either thoughtful or hovering attentiveness toward another.

acted with typical maternal solicitude

When could anxiety be used to replace solicitude?

Although the words anxiety and solicitude have much in common, anxiety stresses anguished uncertainty or fear of misfortune or failure.

plagued by anxiety and self-doubt

In what contexts can care take the place of solicitude?

The words care and solicitude can be used in similar contexts, but care implies oppression of the mind weighed down by responsibility or disquieted by apprehension.

a face worn by years of care

When can concern be used instead of solicitude?

The words concern and solicitude are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 worry instead of solicitude?

The meanings of worry and solicitude largely overlap; however, 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 solicitude Nature has made this a necessity: Without constant care and solicitude, an infant will die. Roxana Robinson, TIME, 18 July 2024 This idea will add the inducements of philanthropy to those of patriotism, to heighten the solicitude which all considerate and good men must feel for the event. Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 30 May 2024 That’s surely what accounts for the solicitude that the cryptocurrency industry has been receiving from Congress. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2024 That may account for the thrust of many early corporate statements about the Hamas attack, which tended to express solicitude for Israeli employees and their families and reiterate commitment to the Israeli market. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for solicitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solicitude
Noun
  • The arrests came after town halls across the country have become heated, as constituents from both parties expressed concern over President Donald Trump's swift and far-reaching staffing cuts.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • However, if proved feasible on a larger scale, the tech could help the EV industry alleviate consumer concerns about electric vehicle range and convenience.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Orr’s study also found that even as silence about climate change can spiral into deeper fears of speaking out, speaking about the issue can drive a spiral toward further discussion and action — and that individual conversations can play a surprisingly large role.
    Saul Elbein, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Hayes said he’s had to take a leave of absence from his job over the fear of what might happen to his family.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • At the time of publication, the video of her efforts has been watched over 228,000 times, with users flocking to offer words of kindness in the comments section.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Becky’s independence, kindness, determination and beauty will live on through her forever.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Trump's remarks came as he's started to soften his tone with China regarding tariffs, which have rattled the global markets and stoked anxieties about the economy.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • While immediate inflation concerns have eased, the current administration’s assertive tariff policies are reigniting these anxieties, potentially leading to future economic instability.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Vatican May Have Ever So Slightly Softened Its Stance on Trans People Doctrine chief Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández discussed the viability of gender dysphoria, while still condemning gender-affirming care, in a speech at a theological conference in Cologne in February, CNN reports.
    Samantha Riedel, Them., 21 Apr. 2025
  • Despite the care taken, those ready-to-wear initial papal vestments didn't always do the trick.
    Christopher Watson, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Bits and pieces to friends, tender moments and worries to others.
    Kristina Goetz, USA Today, 13 Apr. 2025
  • This is important because lower yields can help the economy and are the typical bond reaction during worries about economic growth.
    Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The angst about the Fed’s independence on Monday came against a backdrop of investors’ unease about the global economy.
    Danielle Kaye, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Its grand facade, looming over the misty abyss of Tequendama Falls, is the kind of place that invites amazement and a little unease.
    Josh Rivera, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Solicitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solicitude. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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