Synonyms for

Anxious

Verb / ˈæŋkʃʌs / / ˈæŋʃʌs / Another word for anxious — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

feeling worried, nervous, or uneasy about something with an uncertain outcome

Synonyms & similar words

nervous dying uneasy queasy unquiet nervous worried uneasy apprehensive concerned distressed edgy fearful restless tense troubled bothered disquieted fidgety jittery panicky perturbed unease restlessness consternation

Synonyms by register

Formal

apprehensive concerned uneasy disquieted

Informal

worried nervous antsy uptight on edge

Literary

trepid solicitous

Antonyms

calm relaxed peaceful serene unworried confident assured

Common collocations

  • anxious to start
  • anxious about the future
  • anxious feeling
  • anxious moments
  • anxious anticipation
  • anxious to please
  • anxious disposition

Word family

noun anxiety
adjective anxious
adverb anxiously

Usage note

Anxious often implies a specific worry about something that might happen, whereas worried is a more general term for being troubled. It can also mean eager, as in 'anxious to begin'.

Example sentences

  1. She was anxious about her upcoming presentation.
  2. He felt anxious before meeting his girlfriend's parents.
  3. The cat became anxious when it heard thunder.
  4. The team was anxious to win the game.
  5. I get anxious when I have to speak in front of a crowd.

Quotes

  • I'm anxious about everything. I worry about everything. - Anthony Hopkins
  • Anxiety is the dizziness of freedom. - Soren Kierkegaard
  • Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength. - Charles Spurgeon

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