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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.

Software companies have been on edge about the launch of artificial-intelligence start-up Anthropic’s latest AI release.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

“The energy markets remain on edge as the U.S. is enforcing a strict naval blockade to pressure Tehran,” Commerzbank Research analysts said in a research report.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

All this competence puts us in a strange state — a suspenseful trance — in which you feel on edge while also relaxing into the idea that the characters have things under control.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

It makes you on edge, she told me, not knowing if you can protect your kid, if you can feed her, all because of something outside your control.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

Elliot seemed to be on edge, and the last thing I needed was to push him over it.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin