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

Have a kid who's just now starting to sleep alone and might have some anxiety? — George Yang, PC Magazine, 25 Sep. 2026

Legal battles over the 2025 map have lasted months, creating confusion and anxiety for state election administrators and some voters, who have struggled to keep up with their congressional district status and which candidates were running where. — Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 25 Sep. 2026

His reaction wasn’t that anxiety wasn’t real or that his employee should simply get over it. — Jeff Leblanc, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026

As a practicing psychiatrist, Lembke routinely prescribes stimulants for ADHD, opioids for pain and benzodiazepines for insomnia and anxiety. — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026