1
as in fear
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble
Dorothy's anxiety about her brother's operation kept her awake all night
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fearfulness
the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger
the newly discovered virus is creating considerable anxiety in the public at large
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of anxiety
This term is often used in discussing conditions such as depression and anxiety, in which our brain can fixate on predicting the worst or ignoring small positives.
—
Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 21 Feb. 2025
Research consistently shows that excessive exposure to distressing news not only heightens our anxiety and stress levels but can also lead to longer-term issues like depression, despair and helplessness.
—Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025
Few filmmakers have so deftly zeroed in on the specific anxiety of wondering whether authenticity is something even within one’s purview, a confrontation that itself is nothing if not authentic.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025
Yes, but: Heightened anxiety amid the administration's immigration crackdown has triggered dips in school attendance nationwide.
—Alex Golden, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for anxiety
Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 21 Feb. 2025
Research consistently shows that excessive exposure to distressing news not only heightens our anxiety and stress levels but can also lead to longer-term issues like depression, despair and helplessness.
—Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025
Few filmmakers have so deftly zeroed in on the specific anxiety of wondering whether authenticity is something even within one’s purview, a confrontation that itself is nothing if not authentic.
—Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025
Yes, but: Heightened anxiety amid the administration's immigration crackdown has triggered dips in school attendance nationwide.
—Alex Golden, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for anxiety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anxiety
Noun
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Had fear of exposure or rejection kept you from fully stepping into leadership or creative risk?—
Colin Bedell,
Them,
28 Feb. 2025
-
The number of cancellations comes from a person who asked for anonymity because of the fear of repercussions at the Post.—
David Folkenflik,
NPR,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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What the public worries about is clarity from their politicians.—
Carlton Reid,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
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Another major worry for those who’ve been able to live in their homes is all the trash.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
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That’s understandably caused some panic among the fan base.—
Cory Lavalette,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
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Spreading moral panic Trump is already actively deploying a key tactic in expanding mass surveillance: causing moral panics.—
Brittany Friedman,
The Conversation,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Clearly, an allegation of this magnitude is incredibly disturbing and causes concerns about the safety of the children in our school community.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
5 Mar. 2025
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Yesterday’s trading pattern, where banks and industrials fell while tech bounced, reflected real concern about U.S. growth.—
Josh Fellman,
Quartz,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Filming their every outspoken thought and conversation whether in the newsroom, at home, on the street or in cars driving around frigid Moscow, the director channels the growing sense of dread as the government crackdown accelerates and the war nears.—
Jordan Mintzer,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Feb. 2025
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Read More: Scientists Debate Why Childbirth is So Brutal Epidural Risks and Research Unfortunately, myths and out-of-date information continue to inspire fear and dread of the procedure.—
Stephen C. George,
Discover Magazine,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Despite scoring four goals in 11 first-half minutes, there was a sense of unease around St James’ Park in the second half before Newcastle United finally saw out victory against Nottingham Forest.—
Chris Waugh,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
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Existential unease permeated the festival program, though the Forum — the section dedicated to more experimental works — conjured this mood at the most forceful, and visually transportive, register.—
Beatrice Loayza,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Anxiety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anxiety. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.
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