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concern

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verb

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as in to affect
to be the business or affair of the problems of air and water pollution that concern all of us

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word concern distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of concern are anxiety, care, solicitude, and worry. While all these words mean "a troubled or engrossed state of mind or the thing that causes this," concern implies a troubled state of mind because of personal interest, relation, or affection.

crimes caused concern in the neighborhood

When could anxiety be used to replace concern?

In some situations, the words anxiety and concern are roughly equivalent. However, anxiety stresses anguished uncertainty or fear of misfortune or failure.

plagued by anxiety and self-doubt

When is care a more appropriate choice than concern?

The words care and concern are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, care implies oppression of the mind weighed down by responsibility or disquieted by apprehension.

a face worn by years of care

When can solicitude be used instead of concern?

The synonyms solicitude and concern are sometimes interchangeable, but solicitude implies great concern and connotes either thoughtful or hovering attentiveness toward another.

acted with typical maternal solicitude

When is it sensible to use worry instead of concern?

While the synonyms worry and concern are close in meaning, worry suggests fretting over matters that may or may not be real cause for anxiety.

financial worries

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of concern
Noun
Last month, the Lyon Bar Association raised concerns about overcrowding at the Lyon-Corbas prison, the BBC reported, and Cauwel said that the prison currently has an occupancy rate of 170%. Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 14 July 2025 Those investments have created concern in recent years for some stakeholders. Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
There’s still reason for parents to be concerned, because dating apps could also be harming kids in other ways. Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 25 July 2025 While the Jets could give him a look later, the injury to Fields doesn't seem to be concerning enough to make that type of move. Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for concern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concern
Noun
  • That does not mean everyone with an interest in Planet Arsenal feels the same.
    Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 25 July 2025
  • That puts Americans who cannot pay their medical bills at risk of lower credit scores, hindering their ability to get a loan or forcing them to pay higher interest rates.
    Noam Levey, NPR, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Panicked finds Maron returning to familiar subjects, treating them like beloved worry dolls of comedic setups.
    Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Some lawmakers have said worries over U.S. stockpiles running low don't justify cutting off Ukraine's weapons.
    Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • And when the stock goes up, hedge funds have to pay money to cover their shorts or could sell their position.
    Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 26 July 2025
  • Add oil and 1/4 cup of the chicken broth; cover and cook over medium for 6 minutes if using chicken breasts, or 8 minutes if using thighs, stirring once halfway through (chicken will not be fully cooked).
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • That won’t impact students who were already enrolled in their schools, but could affect new and transferring students.
    Rory Linnane, jsonline.com, 31 July 2025
  • Performance was only marginally affected, but the lack of a V8 had altered the vehicle’s character.
    Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • This means that some people might not bother using them.
    Ben Coxworth July 26, New Atlas, 26 July 2025
  • But one aspect of his robberies bothers him to this day.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • Moreover, having a big name in the tech industry comes with bragging rights which could be helpful in attracting other companies.
    Rick Barrett, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025
  • The company aims to improve long-term quality and reduce warranty costs through these initiatives.
    Jamie L. LaReau, Freep.com, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • Concerns of fear growing in migrant communities Mora said this issue runs deep for him and others who work in immigration law.
    Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 23 July 2025
  • Lean Into Peer Support A mental obstacle holding leaders back is avoiding support or peer groups out of fear of sharing ideas.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Camping fees include WiFi, showers, restrooms, a laundry room and admission to Bedrock City and raptor flight shows.
    Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025
  • Penalties for breaking the rules include confiscation and further disciplinary action.
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Concern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concern. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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