Definition of concerningnext
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

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concerning

2 of 2

verb

present participle of concern
1
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

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
Verb
Last month, six women interviewed by the Times described concerning behavior by Platner, including excessive drinking, infidelity, and, in one account, physical intimidation. Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 6 July 2026 Most concerning to Slok is what happens if this gap grows as AI deployment and productivity gains continue to sputter. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 July 2026 Harry's decision comes amid an ongoing security fiasco concerning the safety of Meghan Markle and their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026 There are other concerning conditions within a few feet of the hole. Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026 Research indicates that certain protein powders contain concerning levels of harmful metals, including cadmium, mercury, and lead. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 3 July 2026 But the hospital has not revealed the results of its investigation and declined to answer questions from NBC News concerning whether the doctor who mistakenly pronounced the boy dead remains on staff. Gabriella Bachara, NBC news, 3 July 2026 Half-face respirators — often gray rubber with pink canisters — offer different filters for different gases, but none can filter all of the concerning gases in wildfire smoke. Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 This is particularly concerning as corporate AI usage becomes decentralized across daily workflows. Serenity Gibbons, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
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
  • Robbie Ray threw six efficient innings after regrouping from a fall while covering first base, Willy Adames hit a two-run double as part of a four-run opening frame and the San Francisco Giants beat the Colorado Rockies 6-4 on Saturday night.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 July 2026
  • Maybe Bill Plaschke would be aware of that, and give due credit, if his hometown major newspaper bothered to have a dedicated correspondent covering one of the city’s NBA teams.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • And women who suspect their period pain is more severe than normal should not hesitate to speak with a health care provider, especially if symptoms are affecting their quality of life.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • The heat is affecting how air pollution disperses over the region, National Weather Service meteorologist Carol Ciliberti said Sunday.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Travis was snapped having a blast bothering Jason as the duo attended a match between Jupiter Links GC and The Bay Golf Club at SoFi Center on March 3.
    Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • For now, the Royals hope to figure out exactly what’s bothering him.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
Preposition
  • There’s been a lot of discussion about HBO’s decision to hold House of the Dragon’s second season to eight episodes.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026
  • There generally is no need to proceed with more intensive cardiac screening tests that people hear about for athletes at the professional or high-level collegiate sports level.
    Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Created in honor of Birds Georgia’s 100-year birthday, the Georgia Birding Trail is a network of locations picked based on accessibility, amenities and wildlife viewing potential, including habitats such as Murphey Candler Park and Reed Creek Park.
    Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
  • Known as Citizenship by Investment, the program grants visa-free access to up to 150 countries, including Europe’s Schengen area and, in some cases, the United Kingdom.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • Reddick loads her genre-blurring tale with outlandish intrigue involving Soviet spies, a capitalist cult and a roving choir that doubles as a Greek chorus.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • But severe maternal morbidity, the near-misses involving hemorrhage, infection, organ failure, ICU admissions, PTSD, impacts Black women at much higher rates, and in many jurisdictions, including Washington, DC, morbidity is not tracked.
    Ashoka, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • The officer wrote that Gatz had been living in the area for several months and was disturbing the surrounding vegetation.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 7 July 2026
  • Platner has faced multiple allegations of reckless and drunken behavior and disturbing behavior toward women since launching his campaign in August.
    Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Concerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concerning. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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