Synonym Chooser

How is the word eager distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of eager are anxious, athirst, avid, and keen. While all these words mean "moved by a strong and urgent desire or interest," eager implies ardor and enthusiasm and sometimes impatience at delay or restraint.

eager to get started

When might anxious be a better fit than eager?

The words anxious and eager can be used in similar contexts, but anxious emphasizes fear of frustration or failure or disappointment.

anxious not to make a social blunder

When can athirst be used instead of eager?

The synonyms athirst and eager are sometimes interchangeable, but athirst stresses yearning but not necessarily readiness for action.

athirst for adventure

How are the words avid and eager related?

Avid adds to eager the implication of insatiability or greed.

avid for new thrills

Where would keen be a reasonable alternative to eager?

While in some cases nearly identical to eager, keen suggests intensity of interest and quick responsiveness in action.

keen on the latest fashions

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 eager Hurricanes guard Ahnay Adams, one of just two returning players from last season, is eager to play alongside Raviv. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025 Bankers and consultants thronged Riyadh, eager for a share of the fees from Vision 2030 deals that many doubted would ever materialize. Wael Mahdi, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2025 More than 1,000 eager customers have already joined the waitlist for this special-edition launch, according to DedCool. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025 Barcelona, meanwhile, comes into the contest eager to reassert itself after some inconsistent performances. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for eager
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eager
Adjective
  • There are so many people who are excited to have me back in some capacity as Superman.
    Charles Infosino, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Today, scientists are extremely excited about how AI can be used to predict the way molecules interact, transforming areas like drug discovery and materials science.
    Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Lemonheads have played Cambridge parties to enthusiastic crowds of over a hundred people.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Over 2,500 enthusiastic Google reviews helped propel Ocean Reef Park to its top-tier designation.
    Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Kyle, from Toronto, is an avid collector of older digital cameras.
    Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Born in Sydney, Barning owned a construction company and was also an avid fisherman, having won many trophies at previous game fishing competitions, the coroner said.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Some men avoid the gym or the beach altogether, wear baggy shirts year-round or feel anxious about intimacy.
    Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Ottosson says reading the script was an anxious experience in itself.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Although nothing is imminent, club sources say the hierarchy are keen to find a successor and have held talks with a number of candidates.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Shouse says that touring with Frehley was a chance to see the guitarist’s keen sense of humor up close.
    Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Eager.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eager. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on eager

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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