Definition of solicitudenext

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 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 Realistically, however, Mexico faces a tough fight in a Supreme Court that’s shown a great deal of solicitude for the gun industry — even in cases that don’t involve a federal statute that protects gun companies from liability. Ian Millhiser, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 See All Example Sentences for solicitude
Recent Examples of Synonyms for solicitude
Noun
  • Accessibility Rooms for those with mobility needs are in place, and the fitness club, pool, spa, and public bathrooms also address accessibility concerns.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 May 2026
  • Since then, a growing number of cities have opted to further regulate e-bikes, citing a growing number of incidents and safety concerns.
    Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • There was no carefulness in it.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 1 May 2026
  • Organizations can benefit by valuing carefulness and concentration not as an obligation, but as a fundamental pillar of success.
    Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Renter Mandy Feng, who prefers to use a pseudonym for fear of being seen criticizing the authorities, said the stimulus the government is offering has failed to offset people’s anxiety over an uncertain economic outlook.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
  • China's exports gathered pace in April as factories scrambled to meet surging overseas demand from foreign buyers stockpiling goods as the Iran fanned fears of higher input costs.
    Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • Understand that kindness and consideration can go a long way in these types of negotiation situations.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
  • Regardless of travel purpose or appearance, kindness and patience matter most in how passengers are treated.
    Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Renter Mandy Feng, who prefers to use a pseudonym for fear of being seen criticizing the authorities, said the stimulus the government is offering has failed to offset people’s anxiety over an uncertain economic outlook.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
  • As anyone who deals with anxiety knows, one of its chief triggers is uncertainty.
    Tom Dotan, Vanity Fair, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • It’s rooted in the principle of taking care of what’s provided to us — and using it thoughtfully to make people’s lives better.
    Sammy Duda, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2026
  • Emory University confirmed in a statement that its Serious Communicable Diseases Unit is overseeing the two individuals' care.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • Another reasonable worry is energy.
    Editorial, Boston Herald, 14 May 2026
  • With one less worry – a safe home – Denise can now imagine a future for her family.
    Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Though the vote still failed largely along party lines, Murkowski's flip was a warning sign for the White House about the unease of some Republicans on Capitol Hill as the conflict drags on.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 13 May 2026
  • Many Asian countries now count China as their largest trading partner, a reality that creates both opportunity and unease.
    Yu Jie, Time, 13 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Solicitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solicitude. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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