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 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 Normally, this time of year for Bay Area residents means blooms of orange poppies, graduation announcements and hand-wringing over the San Francisco Giants’ record. — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 26 May 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
  • The headlines often focus on uber-selective colleges and universities, the lengths students and parents will go to access them, and the parts of the process of applying that evoke the most anxiety.
    — Brennan Barnard, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • One of the most dreadful packing pain points is the anxiety of whether everything will actually fit in your suitcase, which, thankfully, my Away Bigger Carry-on has eliminated.
    — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 1 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
  • Paul, as a father of six, was devastated to hear of their anguish.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2026
  • Bernstine brings just enough light to her tortured cop, while McNairy brings just enough anguish to his good-hearted caretaker.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 27 July 2026
Definition of anguish
Noun
  • However, analyst Gavin Parsons highlighted that an acceleration in organic revenue growth would settle market fears.
    — Assiatou Hann, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Herzog raised fears that the mayor’s rhetoric stokes hate against Jews, including in New York City, which holds the largest Jewish population of any city in the United States.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 1 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

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Cite this Entry

“Hand-wringing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hand-wringing. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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