as in regarding
having to do with
we had a meeting with the principal today concerning the new policy on student-run organizations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in covering
to have (something) as a subject matter
the book concerns the challenges faced by children growing up in single-parent households
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in affecting
to be the business or affair of
the problems of air and water pollution that concern all of us
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in bothering
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
we were greatly concerned by reports that yet another previously unknown virus is now posing a threat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of concerning
Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
There was some concerning news on Friday, however.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Questions concerning your donation?
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 9 Jan. 2026
Mike Fiebig, southwest river protection director for the nonprofit American Rivers, told Outside that, although the CECs were found in small amounts, the findings are concerning for animals that depend on the springs, especially frogs and salamanders.
—Owen Clarke, Outside, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for concerning
Verb
Checking an Insurer’s Reputation and Customer Service There may be instances where problems concerning an insurer’s reputation outweigh its low rates.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for concerning
Preposition
-
Metro Police detectives are continuing to investigate the shooting, and are in contact with the District Attorney’s Office regarding charging decisions.—
-
Was any decision made regarding reducing Partey’s media obligations?—
Verb
-
Emma Burleigh is a reporter at Fortune, covering success, careers, entrepreneurship, and personal finance.—
-
Bedford said during the news conference that air traffic controllers continuing to work during the shutdown are covering longer hours and more days.—
Verb
-
Both types of flour should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to prevent moisture and pests from affecting the flour.—
-
Heavy snow has been affecting Washington since earlier this week, with the biggest accumulations reported on mountains, according to the National Weather Service field office in Seattle.—
Verb
-
Ibrahim keeps bothering me endlessly, touching my leg and thigh.—
-
Ask her if anything is bothering her.—
Preposition
-
At the event, his two daughters spoke about what Beam meant to them.—
-
Additional information about his condition has not been released and the sheriff's department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for additional comment.—
Verb
-
She was nominated five other times as well, for movies including Blue Valentine and All the Money in the World.—
-
Solidarity protests with Iranian demonstrators have also emerged in major European cities, including Paris and Berlin.—
Verb
-
There were two deadly shootings in Middlesex County, New Jersey, just hours apart this weekend, both involving teenagers.—
-
Readers send Miss Manners not only their table and party questions, but those involving the more complicated aspects of life - romance, work, family relationships, child-rearing, death - as well as philosophical and moral dilemmas.—
Verb
-
Videos showing the physical abuse of nonverbal children on a Littleton Public Schools bus are disturbing and difficult to watch.—
-
Over the next six months, disturbing details about the abuse Kevin’s youngest children endured at the hands of their mother and Hildebrandt emerged.—
Cite this Entry
“Concerning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/concerning. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share