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Definition of carenext
1
2
as in concern
attention accompanied by protectiveness and responsibility that's an extremely valuable violin, so handle it with care

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in custody
responsibility for the safety and well-being of someone or something while you're under my care, you'll do as you're told

Synonyms & Similar Words

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care

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verb

as in to watch
to have an interest or concern for a teacher who cares what happens to her students long after they leave her classroom

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word care distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of care are anxiety, concern, solicitude, and worry. While all these words mean "a troubled or engrossed state of mind or the thing that causes this," care implies oppression of the mind weighed down by responsibility or disquieted by apprehension.

a face worn by years of care

When can anxiety be used instead of care?

The meanings of anxiety and care largely overlap; however, anxiety stresses anguished uncertainty or fear of misfortune or failure.

plagued by anxiety and self-doubt

When might concern be a better fit than care?

While in some cases nearly identical to care, concern implies a troubled state of mind because of personal interest, relation, or affection.

crimes caused concern in the neighborhood

When would solicitude be a good substitute for care?

Although the words solicitude and care have much in common, solicitude implies great concern and connotes either thoughtful or hovering attentiveness toward another.

acted with typical maternal solicitude

Where would worry be a reasonable alternative to care?

The words worry and care are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, worry suggests fretting over matters that may or may not be real cause for anxiety.

financial worries

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 care
Noun
Since colorblind people fail to recognize blood in their urine, they may be delayed in seeking care, which can lead to worse outcomes, the findings suggest. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 9 Feb. 2026 When people with disabilities live in the community with appropriate supports, the state avoids far more expensive emergency care, institutional placements, and hospital stays. Fay Lenz, Hartford Courant, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
Before Ossoff took the stage, several Georgians shared personal stories about how policy changes have affected their access to care — a tactic Democrats are increasingly using on the campaign trail. Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026 Macdonald cared about team chair Jody Allen’s directives. Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for care
Recent Examples of Synonyms for care
Noun
  • There is another kind of voter fraud which has escaped the attention--whether accidentally or deliberately--of the media.
    Cal Thomas, Arkansas Online, 10 Feb. 2026
  • In a measured but hostile tone, Rhoades called attention to a great number of complaints that had come from Coppermark.
    J.C. Hallman, Oklahoman, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Melissa Michelson, a political science professor at Menlo College, said the donor list signals concern among wealthy Californians about potential tax increases.
    Grace Hase, Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2026
  • These activities, conducted outside normal flight paths near El Paso International Airport, caused FAA concern about possible interference with civilian flights.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Organizations can benefit by valuing carefulness and concentration not as an obligation, but as a fundamental pillar of success.
    Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Just as essential a consideration as carefulness for committee members, though, is speed.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 26 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The social media giant's guidance offset worries about its sky-high spending on artificial intelligence.
    , CNBC, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Keogh said that access is a security worry because people in the indictment include citizens of communist China, an American rival.
    Steve Patterson, Florida Times-Union, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Wimbley, who lists no prior felony history, remained in custody Tuesday on zero bond and is set to appear Wednesday in Garland County District Court.
    Steven Mross, Arkansas Online, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Officers fired beanbag rounds, a nonlethal alternative to bullets, to subdue Carter and take him into custody.
    Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The company’s forestry arm has planted more than one billion trees, underscoring a scale of stewardship rarely matched in private ownership.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Esteemed Venus is strolling into your 2nd House of Satisfaction, supporting thoughtful choices that align with your independent values and strengthen confidence through stewardship.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Pivotal's quality management system is also certified by SAE International, which sets global aviation safety standards.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Ed Dolshun has over 12 years’ experience in the pest management industry and is currently chief trapping officer and technical director at Catchmaster.
    Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • John Voorhies, a Tucsonian of sixty-two years, was standing in front of Guthrie’s home, watching the activity.
    Paige Williams, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Neither Nielsen nor NBCUniversal is offering a breakdown of how the audience shook out between NBC and Peacock, though clearly the vast majority of those viewers watched on the broadcast network.
    Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Care.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/care. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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