anxious

[angk-shuhs, ang-] / ˈæŋk ʃəs, ˈæŋ- /

ADJECTIVE

worried, tense

Synonyms

STRONGEST

afraid apprehensive careful concerned distressed fearful fidgety jittery nervous restless scared uneasy uptight

WEAK

aghast antsy basket case bugged butterflies choked clutched disquieted disturbed dreading fretful hacked hyper in a state in a tizzy in suspense jumpy nervy overwrought shaking shaky shivery shook-up shot to pieces solicitous spooked strung-out sweating bullets taut troubled unglued unquiet watchful wired worried sick wreck

Antonyms

STRONGEST

bold brave calm collected composed confident cool courageous happy inattentive quiet unafraid unconcerned unfearful unworried

WEAK

assured content indifferent peaceful tranqil unwilling

ADJECTIVE

eager

Synonyms

STRONGEST

enthusiastic impatient keen thirsty

WEAK

agog ardent avid breathless desirous expectant fervent intent itching yearning zealous

Antonyms

STRONGEST

unenthusiastic

WEAK

assured calm content cool dreading happy indifferent peaceful tranqil unconcerned unwilling unworried

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.

“I am more composed than ever, and I frankly feel less anxious than ever,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

"I was so sad and shocked and anxious. I didn't feel like I could tell anyone. I literally became a shell of myself."

From BBC

We drove a short distance to the address, where an anxious man guided the confused woman through the front door.

From Los Angeles Times

He withholds his approval to keep the paler, smaller man anxious.

From Los Angeles Times

I wasn’t anxious to go in now, because Cully’s place—no more than a shack—leaned considerably to the right.

From Literature