Synonyms of anxiety

anxiety

noun

aŋ-ˈzī-ə-tē 

1

as in fear

an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble

Dorothy's anxiety about her brother's operation kept her awake all night

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fear
• concern
• worry
• unease
• concernment
• nervousness
• uneasiness
• fearfulness
• uncertainty
• agitation
• apprehension
• disquietude
• anxiousness
• tension
• disquiet
• perturbation
• apprehensiveness
• discomfort
• stress
• solicitude
• panic
• desperation
• sweat
• dread
• nervosity
• care
• anguish
• agita
• doubt
• distress
• jitters
• tremor
• disturbance
• desperateness
• angst
• dismay
• consternation
• strain
• alarm
• torment
• upset
• suspense
• vexation
• discomposure
• jumpiness
• distraction
• hand-wringing
• franticness
• edginess
• misgiving
• presentiment
• compunction
• qualm
• foreboding
• incertitude
• cold feet
• scruple

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unconcern
• ease
• contentment
• content
• peace
• calmness
• calm
• serenity
• relief
• tranquility
• easiness
• quietude
• peacefulness
• quiet
• placidity
• comfort
• solace
• consolation
• placidness
• sereneness
• tranquilness

2

as in dread

the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger

the newly discovered virus is creating considerable anxiety in the public at large

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dread
• panic
• fear
• fearfulness
• terror
• fright
• trepidation
• horror
• worry
• scare
• alarm
• dismay
• concern
• nervousness
• phobia
• jitters
• agitation
• pang
• apprehension
• creeps
• consternation
• perturbation
• twinge
• disquiet
• timidity
• funk
• cowardice
• discomposure
• qualm
• willies
• faintheartedness
• timorousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• confidence
• assurance
• boldness
• self-confidence
• courage
• aplomb
• fearlessness
• fortitude
• self-assurance
• bravery
• daring
• stoutness
• intrepidity
• valor
• gallantry
• nerve
• hardihood
• audacity
• intrepidness
• dauntlessness
• courageousness
• guts
• doughtiness

Synonym Chooser

How is the word anxiety distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of anxiety are care, concern, solicitude, and worry. While all these words mean "a troubled or engrossed state of mind or the thing that causes this," anxiety stresses anguished uncertainty or fear of misfortune or failure.

plagued by anxiety and self-doubt

Where would care be a reasonable alternative to anxiety?

The meanings of care and anxiety largely overlap; however, care implies oppression of the mind weighed down by responsibility or disquieted by apprehension.

a face worn by years of care

When would concern be a good substitute for anxiety?

The words concern and anxiety can be used in similar contexts, but concern implies a troubled state of mind because of personal interest, relation, or affection.

crimes caused concern in the neighborhood

When is it sensible to use solicitude instead of anxiety?

The synonyms solicitude and anxiety are sometimes interchangeable, but solicitude implies great concern and connotes either thoughtful or hovering attentiveness toward another.

acted with typical maternal solicitude

When might worry be a better fit than anxiety?

The words worry and anxiety 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

Recent Examples of anxiety

Research has found that 84% of dogs display fear and anxiety in situations similar to salon visits. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

Recently, fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids has escalated anxiety for members from immigrant families. — Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 10 July 2026

Karp’s comments reflect a growing anxiety in the industry over token spend, which has become a significant financial burden for many companies. — Tim Keary, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Women with no prior history of anxiety were significantly more likely to report high levels of that cluster during perimenopause and beyond, even after adjusting for hot flashes, stress, and overall health. — Dr. Sarah Berg, Time, 9 July 2026