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
  • Supplement Delivery Formats Get a Modern Makeover The Vitamin Shoppe’s report found that 69 percent of Americans take supplements with energy, immunity, cognition and bone health as key areas of concern.
    Emily Burns, Footwear News, 9 June 2025
  • In his decision, Liman found the article was protected reporting on a matter of public concern and dismissed all claims against the Times.
    Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • Choosing to be bold and to fight fear is not the easy choice.
    Mitchell W. Berger, Sun Sentinel, 4 June 2025
  • Such a low number spurred fears the ongoing trade war may finally be starting to affect the economy’s hard data.
    Paolo Confino, Fortune, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • By Carol McCloud, Illustrated by David Messing Summary: This book explains clearly and simply how everyone has an invisible bucket that can be filled through small acts of kindness or emptied by acts of thoughtlessness or cruelty.
    Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • Among the many points for assessing happiness around the world, like sharing meals with others and family bonds, researchers for the 2025 World Happiness Report looked closely at acts of kindness.
    Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Giving into your kids to avoid your own feelings of stress and anxiety does more harm than good in the long run, says bestselling author and personal growth expert Mel Robbins.
    Ashton Jackson, CNBC, 30 May 2025
  • More than 6 million have a parent with both a substance use disorder and significant symptoms of depression, anxiety or both.
    Ty Schepis, The Conversation, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Under the plan, families earning $100,000 or less would pay nothing for child care starting in 2028, as it would be paid by the endowment, lawmakers said.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2025
  • The center provides counseling, drop-in respite care, and community resource navigation under its mental health program.
    Olivia Cyrus, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • Because of the outsize anticipation, initial reports of delays and extensive rewrites on Season 2 created worries that the series’ intricate narrative puzzle might implode.
    Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
  • There happens to be one available that would help ease any worry about Bosa's injury issues throughout the year.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • The second important thing to say about the speculation around Doctor Who is that the drama’s key figures — including Gatwa himself — have done little to dispel the sense of unease.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 23 May 2025
  • Local police are investigating the incident as theft, while Sevnica officials expressed unease, saying Melania's image was never a source of pride for the town.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Solicitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/solicitude. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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