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Definitions

on edge

ADJECTIVE
tense
Synonyms
WEAK
agitated anxious apprehensive beside oneself bundle of nerves edgy excited fidgety high-strung hyper impatient in a tizzy jittery jumpy nerve-racking nervous nervous wreck overanxious restless stressful unnerved uptight wired worried wound-up
ADVERB
feeling anxious
Synonyms
WEAK
anxious edgy fidgety high-strung hyper impatient in suspense jittery jumpy nail-biting nerves on edge nervous skittish uneasy wired

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 war in Iran and the subsequent spike in oil prices have Wall Street on edge.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

“The market is certainly on edge as it relates to Iran,” said Jed Ellerbroek, portfolio manager at Argent Capital Management.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

Abi said her symptoms start the second she thinks about leaving the house and include "checking around every corner, being on edge, stressed and nauseous".

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2026

Public stock and bond markets have been on edge, with the Nasdaq now in correction territory.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

I was tired and my voice was on edge.

From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya