Definitions

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.

For many solo agers, the deeper anxiety isn’t about estate taxes or beneficiary designations.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

Easter Road basked not just in the sunshine but in the anxiety of their guests, the unspeakable horror of having their league dream buffeted by their greatest rivals.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

In a moment defined by anxiety, instability, and a persistent sense that the world is tilting off its axis, the appeal of simplicity makes sense.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

In a prefatory note, he confesses his anxiety about this practice, asking rhetorically, “you can’t just make up quotes, can you?”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

“Can I give you one more exercise—for when things get on top of you? The anger or the anxiety or, y’know, crooked books or hairy socks?”

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

Vocabulary lists containing anxiety

The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 4

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

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

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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!