OVERANXIOUS Synonyms: 105 Similar and Opposite Words

overanxious

adjective

Definition of overanxious

as in anxious

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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 overanxious But Withers, a 24-year-old UNC graduate student who once starred at North Mecklenburg High, got overanxious at just the wrong time. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 15 Mar. 2025 Advertisement Perhaps overanxious at the plate with so much on the table, the Mets left the bases loaded in the first and second and stranded eight runners overall through the first five innings. — Mike Fitzpatrick, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2024 Doncic might sling a pass across the span of an overanxious defense, to an unmarked teammate in the distant corner. — Robert O'Connell, WSJ, 22 Dec. 2022 In the wake of humiliation in Afghanistan, would Washington be overanxious to demonstrate America’s continuing strength? — Washington Post, 29 Oct. 2021 In our overanxious age, worrying is sometimes now associated with the problem of overparenting. — Perri Klass, Harper's Magazine, 25 May 2021 But his presence was charming, like an overanxious kid brother who nonetheless puts everyone at ease. — Bill Pennington, New York Times, 19 Sep. 2020

Recent Examples of Synonyms for overanxious

Adjective

That feels very much in tune with the anxious characters Eisenberg has played over the course of his acting career, but this whole directing thing is working out nicely for him, too.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 Sep. 2026
Nelson remembers hushing her foster children back to sleep that night and calling 911, anxious for an end to those sleepless nights.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of anxious

Adjective

Trump’s approval ratings, however, are at an all-time low, and the party is worried about MAGA voters not turning out in large numbers.

— Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026
There’s a generational gap in the concerns, with people increasingly worried about younger generations and entry-level jobs getting eaten by AI.

— Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of worried

Adjective

Admittedly, viewers on the festival circuit, like those in Locarno where this debuted, and folks who might catch it on streamers or in niche distribution are unlikely to be very bothered about the film’s lack of impartiality.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026
Rumpled lengths ooze insouciance, radiating a can't-be-bothered energy that, for some, is far cooler than even the bounciest blowout.

— Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 4 July 2026

Definition of bothered

Adjective

And the duo’s domestic bliss is interrupted by the arrival of a third party — their older sister Ruthie (Stephanie Hsu), an uptight lawyer whose midlife crisis brings her down to her brother and sister’s level.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 8 Sep. 2026
With Mason Gooding, Chase Sui Wonders, Daveed Diggs, and pop star Charli XCX playing against type as Elliot’s uptight girlfriend.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 31 July 2026

Definition of uptight

Adjective

The group — made up of high-strung news freelancer Billie (Lucy Freyer), chaotic diva Issa (Amita Rao), and life-of-the-party Anton (Owen Thiele) — are all at different places in love, life, and career.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2026
But gone was the tension of worrying about pleasing a high-strung, perfectionist host.

— Merrill Markoe, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of high-strung

Adjective

People were understandably very nervous about being on camera, letting a camera into the room.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026
Vinny, short for Vincent van Gogh, gets nervous and prefers shorter, quieter walks, and Macaroni, named after Fleetwood Mac, makes the stroller a tight squeeze for two cats.

— Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of nervous

Adjective

Garten sported hers buttoned up over a sleek pair of black tapered trousers while Gaines went more casual, with a distressed version and a matching pair of wide-leg jeans for a Canadian tuxedo vibe.

— Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026
Fans are also shown waving the flag of the Philippines, an overhead shot of Eala’s black Chanel handbag and the WTA player posing in distressed jeans and a tangerine-colored open-back top.

— Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of distressed

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over and over

overanxious

overarching

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“Overanxious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overanxious. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of overanxious

adjective

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