1
as in worried
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
was anxious about the play tryouts scheduled for the following day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in excited
showing urgent desire or interest
I'm anxious for my birthday party
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 anxious
However, Guy is later shown at home looking through his curtains while still anxious about Don's warning.
—
Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Investors are likely feeling anxious about the potential impact of rising energy prices.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 11 May 2026
In Louisiana, nearly 180,000 early ballots for House races already cast won’t be counted under the redrawn districts, leaving voters like Sallie Davis anxious their votes won’t be tallied.
—John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
That belief has made modern Americans healthier than any generation in history—and also, paradoxically, more anxious.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for anxious
Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
Investors are likely feeling anxious about the potential impact of rising energy prices.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 11 May 2026
In Louisiana, nearly 180,000 early ballots for House races already cast won’t be counted under the redrawn districts, leaving voters like Sallie Davis anxious their votes won’t be tallied.
—John Hanna, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
That belief has made modern Americans healthier than any generation in history—and also, paradoxically, more anxious.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for anxious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anxious
Adjective
-
Reformers were worried that putting more money into the hands of local school districts, without oversight to ensure that it was being spent effectively, would lead to its diversion into administration and more generous union contracts rather than hands-on instruction for kids who needed it most.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
14 May 2026
-
Yu said that, as China has strengthened its social safety net, people are less worried about having to rely on others.—
Janis Mackey Frayer,
NBC news,
14 May 2026
Adjective
-
Nowhere is this truer than in Russia, a nation marked by a long history of political repression alongside extraordinary literary brilliance, a rare and uneasy combination.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 May 2026
-
Two women form an uneasy alliance to stop the killer — but their own motives end up playing a role in what happens next.—
Diya Chacko,
Oc Register,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
These customer success stories have got investors excited.—
David Prosser,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
-
A lot of kids were excited to see the live painting, because now kids are used to being on their phones.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
There was laughter, nervous laughter, lots of nervous laughter, and also tears.—
Roberto Prieto,
Variety,
19 May 2026
-
Providing the voice of one of the many alien characters is Martin Scorsese, who has some amusing moments with his typically rapid-fire delivery as a nervous street food vendor whom Djarin pumps for information.—
Frank Scheck,
HollywoodReporter,
19 May 2026
Adjective
-
There’s something disturbing about watching these already commonplace delusions about ChatGPT — Your particular version has a soul!—
Vulture,
Vulture,
17 May 2026
-
But as dubious therapies and unsettling postcolonial rituals blur the line between wellness and manipulation, Alexa begins uncovering the disturbing forces hidden beneath the retreat’s seductive façade.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Sometimes there’s an English language barrier, but everyone is patient and eager to make your stay memorable.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 May 2026
-
Joelle D'Alencar, the owner of the business, is eager to help new customers feel comfortable.—
Jeff Wagner,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
Adjective
-
If the Cavaliers pull the Game 7 upset, Game 1 will play out at Madison Square Garden.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
16 May 2026
-
Away to a Newcastle team that has won just one of their last six league matches and has little to play for at this stage of a disappointing season, there could be an opportunity for West Ham to cause an upset.—
Graham Ruthven,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
The debate comes after weeks of tense exchanges and shifting poll numbers.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
-
In the film, Keough plays Zalya, the pregnant sister of Keoghan’s troubled character, bringing a quiet emotional weight to a tense family story set around a struggling Circassian diner in New Jersey.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Anxious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anxious. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
