worried
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for worried, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Feeling anxious or afraid because of something that has happened, or might happen.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use worried
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Frequently asked questions
What does “worried” mean?
The word “worried” means feeling anxious or afraid because of something that has happened, or might happen. In plain terms, uneasy or afraid because you keep thinking about a problem.
How do you pronounce “worried”?
“Worried” is pronounced WUH-reed (/ˈwʌɹid/ in IPA).
How do you use “worried” in a sentence?
Here is “worried” used in a sentence: “She looked worried after missing three calls from the hospital.”
What part of speech is “worried”?
“Worried” is an adjective.
Is “worried” a common word?
“Worried” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between worried and anxious?
Worried usually points to a specific concern you can name — a bill, an exam, a late friend. Anxious can mean the same but often describes a broader, more persistent unease that may have no clear cause, and it can be stronger. In short, worry tends to be focused; anxiety can be free-floating.
Is being worried the same as being scared?
They are related but not identical. Being scared is an immediate fear of a clear threat, often sharp and physical. Being worried is milder and more drawn-out — an uneasy, anxious feeling about something that has happened or might happen. You can feel worried about a danger long before it ever appears.
What is the opposite of worried?
The opposite of worried is calm, relaxed or at ease — free of anxiety about what might happen. Words like carefree, untroubled, reassured and unconcerned also serve as antonyms. Which fits depends on context: reassured suggests a worry has been settled, while carefree suggests there was never much concern to begin with.