care 1 of 2

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as in concern
attention accompanied by protectiveness and responsibility that's an extremely valuable violin, so handle it with care

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in custody
responsibility for the safety and well-being of someone or something while you're under my care, you'll do as you're told

Synonyms & Similar Words

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care

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verb

as in to watch
to have an interest or concern for a teacher who cares what happens to her students long after they leave her classroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word care distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of care are anxiety, concern, solicitude, and worry. While all these words mean "a troubled or engrossed state of mind or the thing that causes this," care implies oppression of the mind weighed down by responsibility or disquieted by apprehension.

a face worn by years of care

When can anxiety be used instead of care?

The meanings of anxiety and care largely overlap; however, anxiety stresses anguished uncertainty or fear of misfortune or failure.

plagued by anxiety and self-doubt

When might concern be a better fit than care?

While in some cases nearly identical to care, concern implies a troubled state of mind because of personal interest, relation, or affection.

crimes caused concern in the neighborhood

When would solicitude be a good substitute for care?

Although the words solicitude and care have much in common, solicitude implies great concern and connotes either thoughtful or hovering attentiveness toward another.

acted with typical maternal solicitude

Where would worry be a reasonable alternative to care?

The words worry and care are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, worry suggests fretting over matters that may or may not be real cause for anxiety.

financial worries

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 care
Noun
Archaeologists in Israel have uncovered a 1,600-year-old Christian care facility for the elderly – a remarkable find that may be the world’s oldest nursing home. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025 Hotel manager Iván Yovera says islanders often shop, send their kids to school and get medical care in the much larger Leticia. John Otis, NPR, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
With his caring heart, fun-loving spirit, and zest for life, Jaiden is a joy to be around. Mare Staff, Boston Herald, 7 Sep. 2025 Mosele said Italian brain-rot consumers largely don’t care about how the images relate to what is being said or sung. Safiyah Riddle, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for care
Recent Examples of Synonyms for care
Noun
  • Jalen Carter’s ejection understandably received the attention on Thursday, but Jordan Davis’ performance should not be lost in the shuffle.
    Zach Berman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Of course, Grande just appearing anywhere tonight garnered attention from fans in the room.
    Stacy Lambe, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And Danielson noted that the team now has plenty of time to practice and give attention to areas of concern.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 9 Sep. 2025
  • At the same time, concern is growing about how certain food additives and preservatives may disrupt the gut’s delicate balance.
    Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The prospect of governments being ousted in Tokyo and Paris fueled further uncertainty, while investors voiced worry over expansive deficit spending in London and Berlin.
    Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • My worry is that inaction is not a strategy.
    Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In January, nearly two years into Todd and Julie's respective 12-year and seven-year sentences, Chase had his own run-in with the law when he was taken into custody and charged with simple battery after allegedly striking the manager of an Atlanta-area sports bar in the face.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • In the aftermath of her crime, Shawn divorced Kendra and won full custody of Lauryn, according to The Cut.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Fallon’s journey from delving into a space that requires cultural nuance to setting up a fund in a setting where values and stewardship are paramount revealed how adaptable her approach could be.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
  • During Arison’s stewardship of the franchise, the Heat has won three NBA championships (2006, 2012, 2013).
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Rachael Holder, whose feature directorial debut Love, Brooklyn is making a splash at the indie box office, has signed with ColorCreative for management.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Accion’s investments from the new fund — made before reaching a final close last month — include Nigerian payroll management startup PaidHR in June, and Kenyan online commerce venture Flowcart (formerly called Sukhiba) last year.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • After watching Rodgers throw for 244 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions in Week 1, supplying him with more firepower would be a great investment.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • For Missouri, senior libero Maya Sands and senior outside hitter Caylen Alexander will be players to watch.
    Brady Shanahan, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Because our mulch is rubber, this seemed unusual, and out of caution, the guardian was called immediately.
    Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Care.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/care. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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