anxiety

[ang-zahy-i-tee] / æŋˈzaɪ ɪ ti /

NOUN

worry, tension

Synonyms

STRONGEST

angst apprehension concern disquiet doubt dread jitters misery misgiving mistrust nervousness panic restlessness suffering suspense trouble uncertainty unease uneasiness

STRONG

botheration butterflies care creeps disquietude distress downer drag fidgets flap foreboding fretfulness fuss heebie-jeebies jumps needles shakes shivers solicitude sweat watchfulness willies worriment

WEAK

all-overs ants in pants cold sweat goose bumps nail-biting pins and needles

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advantage belief blessing calm calmness certainty collectedness confidence contentment ease faith happiness joy peace security sureness trust

STRONG

peacefulness

WEAK

assurance composure nonchalance tranquility

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The 2023 Wimbledon women's singles champion added that "experts confirmed" she had "suffered an acute stress reaction and generalised anxiety disorder".

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

A mood of high anxiety a few weeks ago has given way to cautious optimism amid a fragile cease-fire and retreating oil prices.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

Aman Navani, senior research and policy analyst at the Work Foundation at Lancaster University, said the survey suggested "growing anxiety among households about global economic shocks".

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

“A lot of the anxiety that me and other students have is how Hampshire will be viewed postgrad,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

He reached out and stirred the fire, his thin lace sharp with anxiety.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

Vocabulary lists containing anxiety

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 4

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"The Tell-Tale Heart," Vocabulary from the short story

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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!