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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of anxiety
By Jenny Lawson Jenny Lawson shares candid, humorous, and heartfelt strategies for navigating depression, anxiety, and ADHD while staying creative and resilient.
—
Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
Studies have shown a correlation between heavy digital dependence and mental health challenges including depression, anxiety and stress.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
Many of them shared their experiences of finding relief from anxiety and the effects of addiction to other substances.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2026
This can release a chemical that inhibits anxiety.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for anxiety
Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
Studies have shown a correlation between heavy digital dependence and mental health challenges including depression, anxiety and stress.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2026
Many of them shared their experiences of finding relief from anxiety and the effects of addiction to other substances.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 21 Feb. 2026
This can release a chemical that inhibits anxiety.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for anxiety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anxiety
Noun
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That puts the fear of God into him.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The Showtime Lakers faced those fears and overcame them.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Mirror images except for the fact that Jelani has his hair in dreads, while Ari goes with the more retro-look afro.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 Feb. 2026
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Shoppers who fluctuate between sizes, dread sitting in rigid denim, have arthritis, and are in the early stages of pregnancy also give the jeans a thumbs-up for their flexible fit, breathable fabric, and easy pull-on design.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Prosecutors said county staffers raised concerns about the organization with their supervisors.—
Blake Nelson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
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The members of the council understand that the disarray wrought by Clark’s departure and the lingering concerns about Meyer could be exploited by the owners during bargaining sessions.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Back in the car, Albert moans and groans while Billie shrieks in panic.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Feb. 2026
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Videos circulating on social media showed plumes of smoke billowing over the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, and people sprinting through the airport of the state’s capital in panic.—
Fabiola Sanchez,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Its stock has been under pressure because of worries that competitors powered by artificial intelligence technology could upend its industry and take away customers.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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But the new study—along with previous research—reiterates that worries of weight gain with mango consumption aren’t substantiated.—
Lauren Manaker MS,
Health,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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As each skated and waited for their scores to post, the crowd tittered with nervous unease.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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And at that point, ushered into the floating mists of non-consensus with murmurings of political unease regarding content or intellectual befuddlement regarding style, the briefly sighted, singular beast of language vanishes from the visible landscape.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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What first reads like random abuse escalates into a relentless campaign of terror against Mats and his family, as the situation begins to uncover a dark, multi-layered story rooted more than 40 years earlier.—
Emiliano De Pablos,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2026
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But also the pesky ones, like your terror and your existential dread.—
Catherine Mevs,
New Yorker,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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There are no giant frights or dynamic action sequences, and the slow pacing makes the film feel at times punishingly long.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
16 Feb. 2026
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Knott’s has unveiled its annual Seasons of Fun calendar that includes events dedicated to Peanuts characters, Boysenberry treats, summertime barbecues, Halloween frights and Christmas cheer.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
29 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anxiety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anxiety. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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