1
as in worried
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
was anxious about the play tryouts scheduled for the following day
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in uneasy
marked by or causing agitation or uncomfortable feelings
the whole crowd seemed to make an anxious gasp as the home team almost fumbled the ball
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in excited
showing urgent desire or interest
I'm anxious for my birthday party
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of anxious
Saudi Arabia is in a trickier position; the country is set to host the 2034 World Cup and is anxious to ensure that its national team is a worthy participant capable of, at least, progressing to the competition’s knockout phase.
—
Simon Chadwick,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Letting a dog see out often reduces the anxious pacing that comes from only being able to hear what lies beyond the fence.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
2 July 2026
In addition to training, there are calming products that can help relieve that stress before, during and after anxious moments.
—
Bestreviews,
Mercury News,
2 July 2026
Contrary to what the public has been led to believe, America’s Founding Fathers were skeptical and anxious about democracy.
—
Steve H. Hanke,
Fortune,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for anxious
Simon Chadwick,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Letting a dog see out often reduces the anxious pacing that comes from only being able to hear what lies beyond the fence.
—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
2 July 2026
In addition to training, there are calming products that can help relieve that stress before, during and after anxious moments.
—
Bestreviews,
Mercury News,
2 July 2026
Contrary to what the public has been led to believe, America’s Founding Fathers were skeptical and anxious about democracy.
—
Steve H. Hanke,
Fortune,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for anxious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anxious
Adjective
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The city is recommending zoning regulations that fall in line with state statute while trying to calm residents who are worried data centers will overwhelm resources like water and energy and impose on their quality of life.
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Hollywood insider Rob Shuter is reporting that guests to the wedding are worried about the itinerary and the scale of the celebration.
Adjective
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The company and the government have since seemed to settle into an uneasy truce.
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But some retirees remain uneasy about security concerns, healthcare quality, and property ownership structures.
Adjective
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The 21-year-old was nervous and excited putting on the Lakers’ gold jersey Friday at Chase Center.
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Mauricio Umansky, Richards' estranged husband, is just as excited for the family's new addition.
Adjective
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At Clis boutique in Melrose Park, owner Jeimmy Espina is nervous and overwhelmed by the number of dead and injured in her home country.
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Apple head honchos are nervous about cybersecurity – and one reason might be a recent supply chain attack on supplier Tata, the largest Indian company of its kind to ink a partnership with the front-running American smartphone company.
Adjective
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There were many disturbing parts of Kerstin’s story left unpursued.
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The film is a modern take on the creature horror film told from the perspective of a young boy who slowly begins to discover that his beloved parents are hiding a disturbing secret about his mother’s true nature.
Adjective
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Brown, though, is in the prime of his career and no doubt eager to prove the Celtics wrong for trading him after a decade in Boston.
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Up in arms about the way the government has been controlling the food supply, the common folk are eager to test their newfound democratic power.
Adjective
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Play was held up after some upset fans threw things onto the field after the controversial offside call.
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Usually, when the USMNT enters the knockout stage in the World Cup, they’re considered the underdogs, hoping to be scrappy to force an upset.
Adjective
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In May, during a tense commission meeting, a majority of commissioners declined to give her a raise after her first year on the job.
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Both of these factors lead to tense – but also quite funny –moments.
Cite this Entry
“Anxious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anxious. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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