Thesaurus

anxious

Q: How is the word 'anxious' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of anxious are athirst , avid , eager , and keen . While all these words mean "moved by a strong and urgent desire or interest," anxious emphasizes fear of frustration or failure or disappointment. // anxious not to make a social blunder

Q: When would 'athirst' be a good substitute for 'anxious'?

Although the words athirst and anxious have much in common, athirst stresses yearning but not necessarily readiness for action. // athirst for adventure

Q: How do 'avid' and 'eager' relate to one another, in the sense of 'anxious'?

Avid adds to eager the implication of insatiability or greed. // avid for new thrills

Q: When is 'eager' a more appropriate choice than 'anxious'?

The synonyms eager and anxious are sometimes interchangeable, but eager implies ardor and enthusiasm and sometimes impatience at delay or restraint. // eager to get started

Q: Where would 'keen' be a reasonable alternative to 'anxious'?

While the synonyms keen and anxious are close in meaning, keen suggests intensity of interest and quick responsiveness in action. // keen on the latest fashions

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Synonyms & Antonyms of anxious

1 feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty

was anxious about the play tryouts scheduled for the following day

Synonyms for anxious

Words Related to anxious

qualmish,
qualmy

Phrases Synonymous with anxious

Near Antonyms for anxious

Antonyms for anxious

2 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 for anxious

Words Related to anxious

restive,
unrestful

Near Antonyms for anxious

restful

pacific

Antonyms for anxious

3 showing urgent desire or interest

I'm anxious for my birthday party

Synonyms for anxious

Words Related to anxious

engaged,
interested

Phrases Synonymous with anxious

Near Antonyms for anxious

impassive,
stolid

Antonyms for anxious

Frequently Asked Questions About anxious

How is the word anxious distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of anxious are athirst, avid, eager, and keen. While all these words mean "moved by a strong and urgent desire or interest," anxious emphasizes fear of frustration or failure or disappointment.

anxious not to make a social blunder

When would athirst be a good substitute for anxious?

Although the words athirst and anxious have much in common, athirst stresses yearning but not necessarily readiness for action.

athirst for adventure

How do avid and eager relate to one another, in the sense of anxious?

Avid adds to eager the implication of insatiability or greed.

avid for new thrills

When is eager a more appropriate choice than anxious?

The synonyms eager and anxious are sometimes interchangeable, but eager implies ardor and enthusiasm and sometimes impatience at delay or restraint.

eager to get started