Synonyms of solicitude

solicitude

noun

sə-ˈli-sə-ˌtüd 

1

as in concern

an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble

a growing solicitude over the possible results of the criminal investigation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• concern
• fear
• anxiety
• worry
• concernment
• unease
• uneasiness
• disquietude
• fearfulness
• agitation
• apprehension
• nervousness
• perturbation
• disquiet
• uncertainty
• apprehensiveness
• care
• tension
• anxiousness
• discomfort
• desperation
• sweat
• anguish
• nervosity
• dread
• agita
• panic
• stress
• doubt
• distress
• consternation
• dismay
• desperateness
• tremor
• disturbance
• discomposure
• strain
• vexation
• alarm
• torment
• angst
• compunction
• upset
• presentiment
• suspense
• misgiving
• jitters
• scruple
• jumpiness
• hand-wringing
• distraction
• franticness
• qualm
• edginess
• cold feet
• incertitude
• foreboding

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unconcern
• contentment
• peace
• ease
• content
• quietude
• calmness
• calm
• tranquility
• serenity
• easiness
• placidity
• quiet
• relief
• peacefulness
• consolation
• comfort
• placidness
• solace
• sereneness
• tranquilness

2

as in carefulness

attention accompanied by protectiveness and responsibility

she shows much more solicitude toward her aging parents than any of her siblings do

Synonyms & Similar Words

• carefulness
• concern
• kindness
• care
• solicitousness
• lovingness
• consideration
• thoughtfulness
• considerateness
• pampering
• coddling
• babying

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• carelessness
• unconcern
• thoughtlessness
• unkindness
• inconsiderateness
• inconsideration

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

Recent Examples of solicitude

At first idly, then with what appears to be solicitude, and finally with the glee of a cat cornering a mouse before killing it, Gustav pokes into Adi’s professional failures, connecting them to Tekla’s galling success. — Jesse Green, New York Times, 19 May 2025

The evocation of the boy’s impure actions, as well as the undertow of sexuality in both his parish priest’s solicitude and his father’s violence, caught the attention of the censors, who typically busied themselves outlawing pulp erotica. — Sam Sacks, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025

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

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