EAGER Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: How are the words 'avid' and 'eager' related?

Avid adds to eager the implication of insatiability or greed. // avid for new thrills

Q: 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

eager

adjective

ˈē-gər

Definition of eager next

as in excited

showing urgent desire or interest Tom was eager to try out his new pair of skis

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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

Examples of eager in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This name stuck and became synonymous with anyone eager for opportunity. —

Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2024 The archery world was eager to show its appreciation during what amounted to a farewell tour in Paris. —

David Wharton, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2024 Having directed several short films, Sevigny, who first earned fame at age 20 after being cast in 1995’s Kids, was also eager to support Chew-Bose’s directorial debut. —

Andrea Mandell, Peoplemag, 6 Sep. 2024 Clay is an arborist, who was eager to dive in and restore the ailing trees to full health, with help from the farmhands who have worked the property for years and local experts. —

Christine Lennon, Sunset Magazine, 20 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for eager

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'eager.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.