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

This bipartisan anxiety helps explain why candidates in both parties are talking about the issue. — Maham Javaid, NPR, 5 Sep. 2026

Importantly, such research demonstrated the formidable risk associated with self-criticism for postpartum depression and anxiety, as well as for disruptions in mother-child communication, which might exacerbate postpartum psychopathology. — Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026

Despite being prescribed over a dozen medications, Lindsay’s anxiety, depression and insomnia worsen. — Selena Barrientos, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026

She’s played by Sofia Boutella in another one of the Schrader women roles who exists only as a prism to refract male anxieties, a foil to a man’s moral quandaries. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026