antsy

adjective

ant·​sy ˈant-sē 

1

informal : restless, fidgety

antsy children

also : impatient, eager

antsy for a new challenge

2

informal : nervous, apprehensive

antsy investors

Synonyms of antsy

• worried
• anxious
• nervous
• upset
• uneasy
• apprehensive
• troubled

Examples of antsy in a Sentence

he was feeling understandably antsy about the tax audit

after a few minutes in the formal restaurant, the kids got antsy

Recent Examples on the Web

Meta relies on its broad internet advertising business to finance these investments, but shareholders are growing increasingly antsy over Meta’s ability to bring in sales and profit at a fast enough pace. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 30 July 2026

Fans were getting understandably antsy, nine years removed from the team’s last true playoff appearance, 11 years removed from their last series victory, the 2015 Stanley Cup Final. — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 23 July 2026

This video might be a good one to play when the kids are getting antsy and need an excuse to get their bodies moving. — Parents, 19 June 2026

In 1979, stand-ups working at the Comedy Store started getting antsy. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

see ant entry 1

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

antsy

adjective

ant·​sy ˈant-sē 

informal

: restless sense 3, impatient