as in regarding
having to do with
we had a meeting with the principal today concerning the new policy on student-run organizations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in covering
to have (something) as a subject matter
the book concerns the challenges faced by children growing up in single-parent households
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in affecting
to be the business or affair of
the problems of air and water pollution that concern all of us
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in bothering
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
we were greatly concerned by reports that yet another previously unknown virus is now posing a threat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of concerning
Asher Kaufman, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
Other concerning signs include very cold hands and feet, rapid breathing and changes in mental status.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026
What is more concerning is that the KC-135 is now very old (first built in the late 1950s) and is in dire need of retirement or upgrade.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026
Whether that’s more encouraging or concerning is up to you.
—Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for concerning
Verb
At the same time – and unprecedentedly in Lebanon since the 1980s — open public debate has persisted concerning the possibility of reaching a normalization agreement with Israel.
—Asher Kaufman, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026
Other concerning signs include very cold hands and feet, rapid breathing and changes in mental status.
—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026
What is more concerning is that the KC-135 is now very old (first built in the late 1950s) and is in dire need of retirement or upgrade.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026
Whether that’s more encouraging or concerning is up to you.
—Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for concerning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for concerning
Preposition
-
Metro Police detectives are continuing to investigate the shooting, and are in contact with the District Attorney’s Office regarding charging decisions.—
Vivian Jones,
Nashville Tennessean,
18 Oct. 2025
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Was any decision made regarding reducing Partey’s media obligations?—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Verb
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The man removed a magazine from the gun, and, with his hand covering the muzzle, accidentally pulled the trigger.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Countless teenagers stopped by the crash site Saturday, covering the charred earth with flowers, candles, and pictures.—
Garrett Behanna,
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Across the country, collections are popping up to help Transportation Security Administration officers who have been without full pay for more than a month due to the partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Mar. 2026
-
The mayor also expressed hope that the federal government will resolve ongoing funding issues affecting TSA workers.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Jamal Murray’s right shoulder was bothering him during a 1-for-14 outing Saturday.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Mass incarceration has led to a fast-growing bloc of citizens who either are legally barred from voting or have just stopped bothering.—
Kevin B. Smith,
The Conversation,
2 Mar. 2026
Preposition
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Advice columnist Carolyn Hax takes your comments and questions most Fridays about life, family, relationships and more.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
27 Mar. 2026
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Without a trial, prosecutor Sarah Wendorf says there were many unanswered questions about Austin and Connie's claims of physical abuse.—
Peter Van Sant,
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Steep, shallow slopes with rocky features — including cliffs and large outcroppings — are often the first areas to see wet avalanche activity.—
Callie Zanandrie,
CBS News,
20 Mar. 2026
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However, on Saturday, the forest service has placed areas along and east of the Interstate 35 corridor, including the Austin metro area and the Hill Country, under a high level of fire danger.—
Roberto Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Kerr did not specify whether or not Curry had begun drills involving physical contact, only reiterating that an update would come Saturday.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
19 Mar. 2026
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More complex cases — such as those involving multiple years of unfiled returns or large tax debts — generally result in higher total costs.—
Adam Palasciano,
USA Today,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Though the individual data points may have been reported already, this edition contains more detailed and disturbing information about the climate than any before.—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
23 Mar. 2026
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The charges include alleged activity on social media, sending content to foreign media outlets, espionage and disturbing public order, HRANA said before adding that its count was based on official reports.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Concerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concerning. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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