hand-wringing

noun

Definition of hand-wringingnext
as in worry
disapproving worried talk or behavior There has been a lot of silly hand-wringing over the latest hike in interest rates.

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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 hand-wringing The lack of hand-wringing from outside legacy media may indicate a bigger shift. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 30 June 2026 Would all the hand-wringing about the price be moot after experiencing one? — Sara Lacey, The Drive, 25 June 2026 Signs of greater regulatory scrutiny in the country's semiconductor sector also added to the hand-wringing. — ABC News, 22 June 2026 Many of the hand-wringing pieces written at the 2014 World Cup were in the English language, as is this article. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hand-wringing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hand-wringing
  1. worry
  2. concern
  3. anxiety
  4. panic
  5. anguish
  6. fear
  7. tension
  8. desperation
Noun
  • But the worry is that hackers could cause greater disruptions, such as a surge in water pressure that could burst pipes and endanger critical facilities, including hospitals, Corman said.
    — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • As new-ish CBS News chieftain Bari Weiss looks poised to rule over CNN too, there are worries in Blue State and MSM circles about the fate of the cable newser — a thorn in Donald Trump‘s paw — if the ParaBros deal closes.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of worry
Noun
  • The elephant deaths and disputes about the cause have intensified concerns over growing human-wildlife conflict in the region due to expanding agricultural activities near Amboseli park.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • For some observers, the public nature of the event raised concerns.
    — Abby Dodge, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of concern
Noun
  • Validate their emotions by acknowledging any anxieties and feelings as normal.
    — Melissa Willets, Parents, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Poor sleep in teens is tied to anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, weaker peer support and trouble getting through the school day.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of anxiety
Noun
  • Additionally, this language can quickly turn curiosity into accusation while urgency escalates into panic.
    — Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Signing Wissa for double their original bid smacked of panic.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of panic
Noun
  • Almodóvar’s film focuses on the suffering caused by a terminal diagnosis, and the additional anguish incurred by not having the option of aid in dying.
    — Vanessa Rampton, STAT, 5 Aug. 2026
  • With the help of an athletic trainer, Hoecht was guided to a bench and plopped down in anguish.
    — Tim Graham, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of anguish
Noun
  • Leaders in Springfield say the growing ICE presence many fear hasn’t yet materialized.
    — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Finally, heading off to senior year wearing a Care Bears backpack could be a coping mechanism that helps teens deal with fears about the future.
    — Melissa Willets, Parents, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of fear
Noun
  • For Washington, this appears as to be seen as an understanding that the two sides will continue to communicate and manage tensions.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Because the hive-minded beings communicate telepathically, re-recording mixer Larry Benjamin explained that the world often becomes unnaturally quiet, forcing the sound team to rethink where tension and comedy originate.
    — Deadline, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of tension
Noun
  • Quarterback Caleb Williams tried to thread a desperation end zone throw to Burden through three defenders with three seconds on the clock.
    — Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Sky hit a desperation double-stomp and the match reached a stalemate.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of desperation

Browse Nearby Words

handwringers
hand-wringing
handwriting
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Cite this Entry

“Hand-wringing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hand-wringing. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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