Synonym Chooser

How is the word solicitude distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of solicitude are anxiety, care, concern, and worry. While all these words mean "a troubled or engrossed state of mind or the thing that causes this," solicitude implies great concern and connotes either thoughtful or hovering attentiveness toward another.

acted with typical maternal solicitude

When could anxiety be used to replace solicitude?

Although the words anxiety and solicitude have much in common, anxiety stresses anguished uncertainty or fear of misfortune or failure.

plagued by anxiety and self-doubt

In what contexts can care take the place of solicitude?

The words care and solicitude can be used in similar contexts, but care implies oppression of the mind weighed down by responsibility or disquieted by apprehension.

a face worn by years of care

When can concern be used instead of solicitude?

The words concern and solicitude are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, concern implies a troubled state of mind because of personal interest, relation, or affection.

crimes caused concern in the neighborhood

When is it sensible to use worry instead of solicitude?

The meanings of worry and solicitude largely overlap; however, worry suggests fretting over matters that may or may not be real cause for anxiety.

financial worries

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 solicitude Even the Scotland Residents page on Facebook, usually seething with vitriol directed toward neighbors and local officials alike, was full of solicitude and suggestions and offers of help. Gary Greenberg, Harper's Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 Nature has made this a necessity: Without constant care and solicitude, an infant will die. Roxana Robinson, TIME, 18 July 2024 This idea will add the inducements of philanthropy to those of patriotism, to heighten the solicitude which all considerate and good men must feel for the event. Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 30 May 2024 That’s surely what accounts for the solicitude that the cryptocurrency industry has been receiving from Congress. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for solicitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solicitude
Noun
  • For Type 2 Diabetes, Potatoes Have a Bad Rap Blood sugar control is no small concern for Americans.
    Sarah Garone, Health, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Days before her baby's recent health concern, Vaccaro shared snaps of Capri on the way to church, spending time with a cousin and playing with her mom at a park.
    Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • And yet, our fears or feelings that things will spiral out of control again?
    Kenny Malone, NPR, 15 Aug. 2025
  • The study is not meant to fuel fears but to provide a clear argument for planetary defense by putting the risks of asteroid impacts into context.
    Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • These companies show that kindness and innovation go hand in hand.
    Nav Thethi, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
  • While the internet isn't necessarily known for its joy and kindness, Wylie has been blown away by the response since sharing the video on TikTok.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Ultimately, these discussions about college don’t have to include arguments or high anxiety.
    Robert Cole, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • By Linda Wells Skin in the Game Leather Bound Tanning is back, and Gen Z is ignoring the risks, turning to sunbathing and tanning beds to soothe anxiety and feel in control By Erin Flaherty Read On Dietary Restrictions?
    Jeanne Malle, Air Mail, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Curated by Elias Redstone, Kimberley Moulton, Pippa Milne, and Brendan McCleary, the exhibition reclaims photography from its colonial legacy and redefines it through community, care, and connection.
    Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • In her executive role, Holt uses her over three decades of health care service to elevate care standards for patients across the region.
    Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • His worry is that a robust response could be lacking since both the U.S. and a number of European countries have cut so much of their humanitarian aid.
    Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Lauritsen said while the foundation is not against the project, its biggest worry is that the road won’t be built with ample areas for wildlife to cross.
    Natalia Jaramillo, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Some candidates for office have expressed unease about disciplinary actions that were taken against four writers earlier this year.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 4 Aug. 2025
  • The Mountain West has subsequently pillaged lower levels for new members, and the domino effect has left many mid-majors in a state of unease at best, total disarray and panic at worst.
    Jim Root, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Solicitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solicitude. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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