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.

Reportedly high AI usage bills have resulted from “tokenmaxxing” driven by competitive anxiety.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

The selloff in the tech sector that has heightened investor anxiety over the past week graduated to a new phase on Wednesday: The pullback is over, and it’s now officially a correction.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

So I just try to turn down my worry and just be so grateful in the moment, which is not always easy for me because I can live with a lot of anxiety.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Claire’s hum comes out of nowhere, and while no one quite dismisses her as a “hysteric,” stress and anxiety are offered as diagnoses, to her immense irritation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

My shoulders clench and my popcorn kernel twitches as the anxiety level goes just a bit higher.

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!