Definition of athirstnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word athirst distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of athirst are anxious, avid, eager, and keen. While all these words mean "moved by a strong and urgent desire or interest," athirst stresses yearning but not necessarily readiness for action.

athirst for adventure

When might anxious be a better fit than athirst?

The synonyms anxious and athirst are sometimes interchangeable, but anxious emphasizes fear of frustration or failure or disappointment.

anxious not to make a social blunder

How do avid and eager relate to one another, in the sense of athirst?

Avid adds to eager the implication of insatiability or greed.

avid for new thrills

In what contexts can eager take the place of athirst?

The meanings of eager and athirst largely overlap; however, eager implies ardor and enthusiasm and sometimes impatience at delay or restraint.

eager to get started

When would keen be a good substitute for athirst?

In some situations, the words keen and athirst are roughly equivalent. However, keen suggests intensity of interest and quick responsiveness in action.

keen on the latest fashions

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for athirst
Adjective
  • While the online retailer is serving up some excellent K-beauty deals—up to 40% off markdowns—our beauty editors are most excited about Medicube deals.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 23 June 2026
  • While the Athletics hosted the Angels in Sacramento, their Single-A affiliate minor league team, Stockton Ports, hosted lots of dads who were excited to take their kids, young and grown, out to the ball game.
    Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • One was of Christopher Isherwood (an avid collector of his work) and his partner Don Bachardy.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 20 June 2026
  • Born February 18, 1954, in Antigo, Bradley was an avid reader and history buff.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Siskel panned it, but Ebert gave it an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
    Linnea Wicklund, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2026
  • His soft opening events have brought in enthusiastic batters and sports fans.
    Jenna Thompson June 18, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • Now, the 49‑year‑old turns his attention to an NBA roster headlined by Flagg and a Mavericks team eager to return to championship contention.
    Doug Myers, CBS News, 24 June 2026
  • Some ships, eager to get out of harm’s the war’s way, may have their vessels towed tug their boats out of the strait before they’re cleaned.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Democrats and food security advocates worry the changes are leaving people hungry.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • With fans receiving something unique for the morning, the day games have shown a propensity to draw a hungrier crowd than the late-night games across the tournament, Borst said.
    Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Though fans are anxious to see Andrade return to more events, her job in Rio is done.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • Homeless, his body torn, Odysseus needs to get back to her and Telemachus, his anxious son, and to clean up the mess.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • It's also known for having almost 500 kinds of sodas, so come thirsty.
    Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026
  • Few things feel as satisfying as a cold drink of water after mowing the lawn on a hot afternoon, finishing a tough workout or waking up thirsty in the middle of the night.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Tartan Army -- the name of the most ardent group of Scotland fans -- made its way to the southernmost metropolitan area in the continental United States, as the entire city of Miami welcomed them with open arms.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
  • The ardent instrumental and violent rhymes beg to be put on repeat.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 20 June 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Athirst.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/athirst. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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