concern 1 of 2

Definition of concernnext

concern

2 of 2

verb

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2
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
Still, there is a record of medical concerns on the ISS, including ones that led to delays for spacewalks or other tasks. Josh Dinner, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2026 Another concern was how the verification process would affect an already understaffed workforce. Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
Equally concerning to democracy defenders is its rhetoric chastising European democracies and apparent willingness to elevate political parties in Europe that reject human rights. Shelley Inglis, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026 The Kelly story concerned the Arizona senator possibly being demoted from his retired Navy rank of captain. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for concern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concern
Noun
  • That critique of American foreign policy – that US high-mindedness and democratic idealism conceal naked corporate interests – persisted through the Cold War and into the 21st Century.
    Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Health care, housing, and education would be built to be affordable, driven by real results from the bottom up--not by party interests trickling down.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Meanwhile, a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has created worries about the Fed's independence, and whether it might be politically influenced.
    Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2026
  • First Amendment, press advocacy groups concerned by search The search warrant is raising First Amendment worries from press freedom advocates.
    BrieAnna J. Frank, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Still, the media continued to extensively cover the murder with baseless claims.
    Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Whether high winds topple the tree in your backyard or lead to roof damage, your homeowner's policy should cover the damage.
    Kristine Lazar, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Her latest book follows two families in late-1970s Rochester, New York, who are affected by an affair that causes a pair of divorces.
    Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Though Kuminga is relegated to the bench and no longer in the team’s future plans, Kerr believed the team will not be negatively affected by the situation.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Take a seat on an icy throne—the cold never bothered you anyway.
    Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Don’t bother wasting your money—using it more than once a day won’t yield ‘better’ or faster results.
    Ali Pantony, Glamour, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The test represented a significant step forward in the development of this advanced missile system, according to the company.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Advanced chips The company’s high-performance computing division, which includes artificial intelligence and 5G applications, made up the majority of sales in the October-December quarter at 55%.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 15 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The construction plans have generally raised fears that the London complex could serve as a Beijing intelligence hub.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Several Venezuela residents told TIME that the fear of what might be discovered on their phone at a checkpoint has guided their behavior in the days since Maduro's ouster.
    Brian Bennett, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Molinaro’s visit will include a ride on the Blue Line and a roundtable with local officials and business leaders, according to Cagle.
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
  • All programs — including athletics, community education and adult education — are cancelled Thursday and Friday.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Concern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concern. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.

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