1
as in worried
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
was anxious about the play tryouts scheduled for the following day
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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
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3
as in excited
showing urgent desire or interest
I'm anxious for my birthday party
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as in anxiety
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble
don't be overcome with anxiousness about things that may never happen
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of anxious
Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2025
Earlier, in an anxious state over the prospect of finishing her novel, Agathe is pessimistic.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
Henry initially felt anxious about others possibly perceiving her decision to go blonde as an attempt to emulate whiteness or as an expression of self-hate.
—Martine Thompson, Essence, 21 May 2025
The most anxious voices often hold the most influence.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for anxious
Adjective
Some anxious fans waited eight hours then to get close to the attraction’s Hogwarts Castle.
—Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2025
Earlier, in an anxious state over the prospect of finishing her novel, Agathe is pessimistic.
—Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
Henry initially felt anxious about others possibly perceiving her decision to go blonde as an attempt to emulate whiteness or as an expression of self-hate.
—Martine Thompson, Essence, 21 May 2025
The most anxious voices often hold the most influence.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for anxious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anxious
Adjective
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However, because the pool was shallow, Lisberg was less worried.—
Raven Brunner,
People.com,
25 May 2025
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There are signs that some in Israel are worried about the consequences of its actions in Gaza.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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Today, hydrogen bombs have replaced atom bombs in most arsenals, creating a world of uneasy standoffs among nuclear foes.—
William J. Broad,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
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But the vote was not unanimous and left Councilman Kevin O’Neill feeling uneasy.—
Mike Hendricks,
Kansas City Star,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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But for his versatility, the variety in his attacking link-up and movement, and his ever-presence in a tough City season, there is reason to be excited for what lies ahead.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
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Artist Tina Birkhoff said this was her first year displaying her work at the event and was very excited to be at the show over the weekend.—
David Sharos,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2025
Noun
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Trousdale’s songs adroitly address female empowerment, loss, heartbreak, anxiety, mental health and other subjects while striking a winning balance between melancholia and buoyancy.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2025
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More than 6 million have a parent with both a substance use disorder and significant symptoms of depression, anxiety or both.—
Ty Schepis,
The Conversation,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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The price of gold tends to move when markets get nervous – and so does the gold.—
Ken Roberts,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
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That said, one moment in the final episode did make Brashear nervous.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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Nothing has officially happened yet, but the tension is disturbing with the consequences potentially devastating.—
Mac Engel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 May 2025
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That’s a quite disturbing possibility since AGI could wield such an act on a scale of immense magnitude and with globally adverse consequences.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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And fans also will be eager to watch the team play again.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
28 May 2025
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Against this backdrop of uncertainty, Dawkins is eager to get back on the court.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 May 2025
Noun
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Some of this fear is rooted in social comparison, but much of it is tied to daily concerns about funding retirement accounts and covering child care costs.—
Eliza Brooke,
Vox,
23 May 2025
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While on the stand, Ventura also opened up about dating Mescudi for a short period, but allegedly having to break it off out of fear of Combs' reaction.—
Jordana Comiter,
People.com,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anxious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anxious. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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