1
as in worried
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
was anxious about the play tryouts scheduled for the following day
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in uneasy
marked by or causing agitation or uncomfortable feelings
the whole crowd seemed to make an anxious gasp as the home team almost fumbled the ball
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in excited
showing urgent desire or interest
I'm anxious for my birthday party
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of anxious
In London, with most coaches and players anxious to get home, Wentz stepped up to a lectern and commented about the cool experience.
—
Alec Lewis, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
The younger woman smiling coyly, as if with a secret, while the older of the two, still young herself, anxious and polite, looks at the strange columns in the kitchen, trying not to be rude about it.
—Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025
At the same time, completely terrified and anxious.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025
Yair's release in February 2025 brought relief to the family, but left them deeply anxious for Eitan.
—Itay Stern, NPR, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for anxious
Alec Lewis, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
The younger woman smiling coyly, as if with a secret, while the older of the two, still young herself, anxious and polite, looks at the strange columns in the kitchen, trying not to be rude about it.
—Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025
At the same time, completely terrified and anxious.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025
Yair's release in February 2025 brought relief to the family, but left them deeply anxious for Eitan.
—Itay Stern, NPR, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for anxious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anxious
Adjective
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Emma Donoghue’s Room, which continues to haunt worried parents everywhere?—
JSTOR Daily,
JSTOR Daily,
18 Oct. 2025
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There also are those worried about player and staff safety as rowdy revelers stomp onto the field.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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This uneasy detente between Matty and Olympia drives much of the rest of this episode’s plot.—
Noel Murray,
Vulture,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Wichita police are asking for the public’s help identifying a woman reportedly taken by force early Sunday morning — an incident that has left neighbors uneasy.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Both backs seemed excited about employing more pony looks.—
Joseph Person,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
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He could also be seen nodding his approval after the dance — and earning a thunderous round of excited shouts from the audience.—
Stephanie Wenger,
PEOPLE,
15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Each new round of tariffs rattles markets and makes investors more nervous about what the White House might do next.—
Veronique De Rugy,
Oc Register,
17 Oct. 2025
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When Wright first reached out to Hall, Hall was nervous about working with the shelter.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The Wicker Man boasts a conclusion that is one of the most haunting and disturbing climaxes to a horror film in any era, but the inclusion of Lee as the wicked Lord Summerisle is a casting coup.—
Steven Thrash,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Oct. 2025
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What started as a search for wrapping paper led to a disturbing discovery that left her questioning her relationship with her mother.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Curry also remembered the future president being very eager for his then-girlfriend, Marla Maples, to be introduced to the film's director, Chris Columbus.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Oct. 2025
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Showgirl was introduced as an album that gives fans a look behind the Eras Tour curtain, so attendees of that tour were eager to not just relive the magic but learn more about Taylor’s thought processes during such a whirlwind time of her career.—
Eric Renner Brown,
Billboard,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Madison is upset that Joe doesn’t seem that affected or eager to comfort her; meanwhile, Joe’s internally feeling like that one picture of Nicole Kidman.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
15 Oct. 2025
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The Barbz were upset with Nicki’s cancellation, and some pleaded with her to take a break from social media.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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But as the back-and-forth continued, the discussion became tense.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
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Just 20 votes are needed to form a majority against him, and the upcoming budget debates will also be crucial and tense.—
Saskya Vandoorne,
CNN Money,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anxious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anxious. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
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