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
• discomfort
• anxiousness
• desperation
• sweat
• anguish
• nervosity
• dread
• panic
• stress
• agita
• doubt
• distress
• consternation
• dismay
• desperateness
• tremor
• disturbance
• discomposure
• strain
• vexation
• alarm
• torment
• angst
• compunction
• upset
• presentiment
• suspense
• alarum
• misgiving
• jitters
• scruple
• jumpiness
• hand-wringing
• distraction
• franticness
• qualm
• edginess
• cold feet
• incertitude
• foreboding

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unconcern
• tranquillity
• 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

Examples of solicitude in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Wexner may also have enjoyed a certain amount of solicitude from Harvard associated with his relationship with Epstein. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2023

Those suspicions were revived this month with the disclosure that the Saudi Arabian regime, toward which Trump showed great solicitude, has made a $2-billion investment in a fund operated by Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who worked as a member of the White House staff. —Michael Hiltzikbusiness Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2022

Avedon wanted not only to detect the pulse, with a physician’s intimate solicitude, but to amplify and announce it, like a town crier. —Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2023

Their nests, those altars of parental solicitude proudly built by other birds, are often slipshod affairs. —Christoph Irmscher, WSJ, 3 Feb. 2023