Definition of eagernext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word eager distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of eager are anxious, athirst, avid, and keen. While all these words mean "moved by a strong and urgent desire or interest," eager implies ardor and enthusiasm and sometimes impatience at delay or restraint.

eager to get started

When might anxious be a better fit than eager?

The words anxious and eager can be used in similar contexts, but anxious emphasizes fear of frustration or failure or disappointment.

anxious not to make a social blunder

When can athirst be used instead of eager?

The synonyms athirst and eager are sometimes interchangeable, but athirst stresses yearning but not necessarily readiness for action.

athirst for adventure

How are the words avid and eager related?

Avid adds to eager the implication of insatiability or greed.

avid for new thrills

Where would keen be a reasonable alternative to eager?

While in some cases nearly identical to eager, keen suggests intensity of interest and quick responsiveness in action.

keen on the latest fashions

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 eager Sweden are no minnows, either, and will be eager to put an end to the French juggernaut. Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 30 June 2026 The fans who remember watching them in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas, are now eager to nudge a new generation toward the show. Sierra Leone Starks, Parents, 30 June 2026 Contending with power cuts, women, eager to finish a piece and get paid, may work on rooftops to grasp the last ray of sunlight, Jaafar said. ABC News, 30 June 2026 This will likely also be a photo op for the press, eager to catch a glimpse of the future king on his first day of school. Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for eager
Recent Examples of Synonyms for eager
Adjective
  • While the online retailer is serving up some excellent K-beauty deals—up to 40% off markdowns—our beauty editors are most excited about Medicube deals.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 23 June 2026
  • While the Athletics hosted the Angels in Sacramento, their Single-A affiliate minor league team, Stockton Ports, hosted lots of dads who were excited to take their kids, young and grown, out to the ball game.
    Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • But it's been on the court where Hargitay has proved to be one of Brunson's most enthusiastic supporters, frequently attending Knicks games at Madison Square Garden.
    Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026
  • Here’s help The Tartan Army took over Miami Scottish fans are enthusiastic, rambunctious, loud and — more than anything — organized.
    Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Morse, a progressive Republican from Wisconsin and an avid Cold Warrior, had been elected to the Senate from Oregon but left the Republican Party in part because of its failure to denounce Joseph McCarthy and, in 1955, became a Democrat.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
  • Hiking in particular requires much less guiding and support than cycling and many avid hikers are totally confident on their own.
    Larry Olmsted, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Though fans are anxious to see Andrade return to more events, her job in Rio is done.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • Homeless, his body torn, Odysseus needs to get back to her and Telemachus, his anxious son, and to clean up the mess.
    David Denby, New Yorker, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • However, many board members were not keen on the idea given that the North Miami Ave property sits directly across from railroad tracks serving the Brightline high-speed passenger train.
    Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
  • For those more keen on refreshing their homes, our team also has plenty of decor and appliance picks—including a luxury coffee maker—to recommend.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 25 June 2026

Cite this Entry

“Eager.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/eager. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on eager

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster