Synonyms for

Anxiety

Verb / æˈŋzaɪʌti: / Another word for anxiety — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Anxiety is a feeling of worry or nervousness about something that might happen.

Synonyms & similar words

anxiousness apprehension concern unease nervousness tension dread fear disquiet worry uneasiness jitters edginess restlessness angst agitation panic distress fidgetiness discomposure perturbation

Synonyms by register

Formal

apprehension unease nervousness disquiet

Informal

worry jitters nerves butterflies stress

Literary

trepidation perturbation foreboding

Antonyms

calmness composure peace tranquility serenity relaxation ease

Common collocations

  • general anxiety
  • social anxiety
  • performance anxiety
  • anxiety attack
  • anxiety disorder
  • anxiety symptoms
  • feeling anxiety
  • reduce anxiety

Word family

noun anxiety
verb anxietize
adjective anxious
adverb anxiously

Usage note

Anxiety refers to a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. It is often used interchangeably with 'worry' in informal contexts, but 'anxiety' can also refer to a clinical condition.

Example sentences

  1. She felt anxiety before her first day of school.
  2. The thought of flying on an airplane gives me anxiety.
  3. He experienced anxiety when he heard the news of the hurricane.
  4. My anxiety increased as the deadline approached.
  5. The anxiety of losing her job made her work harder.

Quotes

  • Anxiety is love's greatest killer. It makes others feel as you might when a drowning man holds on to you. You want to save him, but you know he will strangle you with his panic.
  • Anxiety is the dizziness of freedom.
  • Anxiety is the handmaiden of creativity.

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