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 dread
the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger
the newly discovered virus is creating considerable anxiety in the public at large
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of anxiety
That uncertainty allows anxiety to grow because your brain naturally wants answers that do not yet exist.
—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2026
Gas prices ease as economic anxiety lingers Gas prices have dropped sharply in the weeks since the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, surprising analysts who had warned drivers could be in for a summer of soaring fuel costs.
—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
4 July 2026
This comes at a time when existential fiscal anxiety has been plaguing Americans.
—
Sean Conlon,
CNBC,
3 July 2026
There are the anxieties of David Ellison’s Paramount’s upcoming acquisition of Warners.
—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for anxiety
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2026
Gas prices ease as economic anxiety lingers Gas prices have dropped sharply in the weeks since the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, surprising analysts who had warned drivers could be in for a summer of soaring fuel costs.
—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
4 July 2026
This comes at a time when existential fiscal anxiety has been plaguing Americans.
—
Sean Conlon,
CNBC,
3 July 2026
There are the anxieties of David Ellison’s Paramount’s upcoming acquisition of Warners.
—
Borys Kit,
HollywoodReporter,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for anxiety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anxiety
Noun
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Bell also spoke of the importance of prioritizing communication in their relationship — especially during moments of fear or insecurity.
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Our country right now is mired in a level of bullying and intolerance that, for some, might feed their fears, but won’t feed their family.
Noun
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The resulting anxiety and panic are an unfortunate side effect of a banner year for fireworks shows.
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Sandy has taken flight, but not without sending eagle-eyed viewers of the Friends of Big Bear Valley eagle nest cam into a Sunday-morning panic.
Noun
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To use available resources to block line of sight from the American Glass Research International complex to Trump, despite identifying this line of sight as a concern.
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Over in the geopolitical front, fresh escalating tensions draw concern as Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine, prompting Poland to scramble jets while Finland restricted airspace.
Noun
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Great productions of Sondheim musicals, and this is one of those, always fill you with a certain existential dread.
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Dong recalled that dread ran deep because his tiny boat might capsize if the winds and waves picked up.
Noun
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Those worries make sense, and understanding how bird flu spreads and what to watch for is the best way to protect your flock and yourself.
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Elevation invites visitors to carve wishes, worries, and hopes into the church pews.
Noun
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Thibault in a news conference Tuesday said that authorities believe the incident was not related to terror.
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Meanwhile, frightful aftershocks continued to rock the area, sowing terror in a population already reaching the limits of endurance.
Noun
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Over several years, Williams and the team explored how avatars modeled on West African masks were able to avoid the uncanny valley, that unease people feel when something almost-human turns out not to be.
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Frowning, fidgeting, and exchanging furtive glances—the crowd’s unease was palpable.
Noun
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Both O’Flynn and Rhys have had spotlight episodes so far this season, but will Emmys voters see the pathos and creativity behind the laughs and frights?
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Copyright 2025, all frights reserved.
Cite this Entry
“Anxiety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anxiety. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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