as in regarding
having to do with
we had a meeting with the principal today concerning the new policy on student-run organizations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in covering
to have (something) as a subject matter
the book concerns the challenges faced by children growing up in single-parent households
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in affecting
to be the business or affair of
the problems of air and water pollution that concern all of us
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in bothering
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
we were greatly concerned by reports that yet another previously unknown virus is now posing a threat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 concerning
Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Republicans and Democrats historically held similar views concerning vaccines.
—Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026
Experts said this pattern is concerning and needs to be addressed.
—Tara Molina, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
That is why the recent decision to advance legislation (House Bill 1360, the Affordable Housing Financing Fund) to divert approximately $130 million from Proposition 123 funds is so concerning.
—Heidi Williams, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for concerning
Verb
Last year, journalist and podcaster Pablo Torre, of Pablo Torre Finds Out, revealed details concerning a four-year endorsement deal Leonard and Aspiration signed in 2022.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Republicans and Democrats historically held similar views concerning vaccines.
—Katy Golvala, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2026
Experts said this pattern is concerning and needs to be addressed.
—Tara Molina, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
That is why the recent decision to advance legislation (House Bill 1360, the Affordable Housing Financing Fund) to divert approximately $130 million from Proposition 123 funds is so concerning.
—Heidi Williams, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for concerning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concerning
Preposition
-
Metro Police detectives are continuing to investigate the shooting, and are in contact with the District Attorney’s Office regarding charging decisions.—
Vivian Jones,
Nashville Tennessean,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Was any decision made regarding reducing Partey’s media obligations?—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
Their station Y’Allternative will also be covering the festival on Sunday.—
Katie Simons,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Before the Hill, Cusack was a reporter and editor for Inside Washington Publishers, covering the Labor Department and the Department of Health and Human Services.—
Bob Cusack,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
According to the Lake County website, the auditor oversees ledgers and records affecting county funds, and oversees duties related to the assessment of property and levy and collection of property taxes, among other roles.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Shailene Woodley’s Paradise character Annie may have memorized every nook and cranny of Elvis Presley’s Memphis estate Graceland, but the actress herself hasn’t made the pilgrimage there in the wake of her affecting performance in the show’s second season.—
Scott Huver,
Deadline,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Sit there like nothing is bothering you.—
Chris Spargo,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
-
But that doesn’t excuse failing to execute on the ABCs of lobbying — such as not bothering even to show up at a hearing on a policy the mayor considers an urgent priority.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Apr. 2026
Preposition
-
Wilson wrote and spoke often about how the Black family was ripped apart by chattel slavery and how that foundational act of societal violence cascaded and compounded throughout Black life in 20th century America.—
Chris Jones,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The great Bard of Pittsburgh wrote dramas about the African American experience in every decade of the last century, of course.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Omar Kelly of the Miami Herald catches up with Mike Florio about the state of the Dolphins, including potential draft plans, De'Von Achane's future and why the team is excited about Malik Willis.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Moreover, Puth played several keyboard solos that lasted two minutes or longer, including in two of his first three selections.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Months earlier, the shooter had extensive conversations with ChatGPT discussing scenarios involving gun violence, the lawsuits allege.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Given the importance of preserving relations with the FCC, which has a say over a range of local station matters and must approve any mergers involving the transfer of broadcast licenses, LeGeyt has deliberately avoided a direct clash with his Washington counterpart.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
There is disturbing use by 13-year-olds and those who are older in bike lanes and our once-tranquil walking and bike trails.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Mark Holdbrooks, 69, was found guilty Friday on multiple charges, including murder, theft and disturbing human remains.—
Katie Houlis,
CBS News,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Concerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concerning. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
