worried

adjective

wor·​ried ˈwər-ēd How to pronounce worried (audio)
ˈwə-rēd
Synonyms of worriednext
: mentally troubled or concerned : feeling or showing concern or anxiety about what is happening or might happen
worried parents
a worried frown
I'm not too worried about the weather.
He was worried sick. [=extremely worried]
But the technological intrusion of prenatal testing leaves expectant parents more worried than reassured.Ronni Sandroff
There was an ominous and worried expression on their faces.Jack London
… his mother was so worried she sent for the doctor.E. B. White
worriedly adverb
"Well, what did you think when you heard the news?" Jimmy asked us worriedly. Bobbie Ann Mason
… Roy thought it was from a snakebite, and worriedly glanced around. Carl Hiaasen

Examples of worried in a Sentence

the soldier's father had a worried expression as he listened to the news
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Texas is working to protect itself against New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that officials are worried might travel from Mexico to Texas. Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Feb. 2026 Human beings are always worried about being judged. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026 But Suggs didn’t seem worried about Orlando’s position. Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Feb. 2026 The approach has sometimes worried investors, but Hudson has argued that doubling down on the company’s pipeline would turn it into a research powerhouse with a focus on immunology in the years ahead, with Dupixent’s patent protection expected to end in the early 2030s. Andrew Joseph, STAT, 12 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for worried

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of worried was in 1624

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Worried.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worried. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

worried

adjective
wor·​ried
ˈwər-ēd
ˈwə-rēd
: having worries : marked by or showing worry
very worried about the test
a worried look
worriedly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on worried

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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