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
This is especially concerning, considering teenagers are at a time in life when their bodies are changing constantly and rapidly, Mann said. Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 21 July 2026 But new data points to a concerning trend in which AI is damaging human connection, because people don’t interact with colleagues as much, rely on coworkers or reinforce relationships in the work process. Tracy Brower, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 What’s concerning is that, from a team perspective, nothing under the hood suggests the poor results are flukey. Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 20 July 2026 The finding is concerning as space debris at such high altitudes behaves differently from that circling closer to Earth. Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 13 July 2026 After his birth, Rocco said one hospital staffer noticed that Anthony was exhibiting a concerning symptom. Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 13 July 2026 Both the extreme heat and air quality warnings can be concerning for health. Tara Molina, CBS News, 13 July 2026 Charlotte demolition ‘a concerning precedent’ Now, Charlotte AIA is looking to stop the demolition. Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 13 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
  • Maryland’s biggest grant program is generous, covering full financial need for students, up to $18,000 a year.
    Jay A. Perman, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2026
  • But one of the joys of covering this World Cup has been speaking to women who love soccer.
    Jasmine Garsd, NPR, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • The muggy air on Monday was courtesy Tropical Storm Elida, which is approaching southwestern Mexico and is affecting the surf in Southern California.
    Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 20 July 2026
  • Extreme weather is also affecting metals, though in different ways, Chu said.
    Hugh Leask, CNBC, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Wasps are generally more interested in building their colony and finding food than in bothering people.
    Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 17 July 2026
  • But after going ahead, England manager Thomas Tuchel tried to shut the back door by throwing on countless defenders and not bothering to attack Argentina anymore.
    Aleks Klosok, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Preposition
  • Why does Criston, then, decide not to tell Gwayne about his suicide mission for this long?
    Matt Minton, Variety, 20 July 2026
  • Tell me about your memories of filming those scenes and if there’s one Long Table scene that sticks out most for you.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • Election officials say the program is prone to errors, but it is being promoted by people who have cast doubts about the 2020 election, including staffers of the Georgia State Election Board.
    Caleb Groves, AJC.com, 23 July 2026
  • The petition says the property has been in violation of city code for over five years and the owner has received several citations for various issues including roof disrepair, unattended vegetation growth, trash and graffiti.
    Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • All four officers at the scene will be placed on administrative leave, which Patterson said was routine practice after a shooting involving police.
    Marin Scott, NBC news, 23 July 2026
  • And then there are long-term risks involving prolonged exposure to smoke and other air pollution, which has been linked to some cancers and dementia.
    Seth Borenstein, Los Angeles Times, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • Plus, Bluetooth headphone pairing lets students watch TV late at night without disturbing roommates.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 22 July 2026
  • Just like us, most plants suffer from heat stress that is exacerbated by disturbing their vascular system during a heat wave.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Concerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concerning. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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