CONCERN Meaning, Definition & Synonym: NYT Connections
CONCERN – Meaning & Definition
Learn CONCERN meaning, definition, synonyms, and etymology, plus why it was a NYT Connections answer. Includes Scrabble tips and examples.
What Does "CONCERN" Mean? The Complete Concern Definition
The meaning of CONCERN is broad, but at its core it refers to something that matters to you or causes interest, worry, or involvement. The CONCERN definition can work as a noun, a verb, and sometimes in related descriptive uses: as a noun, it may mean worry or anxiety; as a verb, it can mean to affect, interest, or relate to someone; and in business or formal contexts, it can mean an organization or matter. When people ask what does CONCERN mean, they are usually looking for either “worry” or “interest,” depending on the context.
The word CONCERN used in English has flexible meanings that change with the sentence. For example, “This is my concern” may mean “this is my worry,” while “The issue concerns everyone” means “the issue affects everyone.” The CONCERN meaning in word games can therefore be tricky because the clue may point to a less common sense rather than the most familiar one. The word comes from Latin concernere, meaning “to mix together” or “to relate,” which helps explain how its meaning expanded over time.
Concern Synonyms: Words Similar to CONCERN
CONCERN synonyms include several words that overlap in meaning, but each carries a slightly different tone or use.
worry — This is the closest match when CONCERN means anxiety or unease, but “worry” feels more emotional and personal.
anxiety — Stronger and more clinical than CONCERN, often used for deeper mental stress rather than a general issue.
interest — This fits when CONCERN means involvement or relevance, especially in formal or abstract usage.
matter — A neutral synonym that works when CONCERN means an issue or topic, without emotional intensity.
regard — More formal and often used when CONCERN means “relates to” or “in reference to.”
care — Similar when CONCERN means attention or personal investment, though “care” is usually warmer and more active.
How to Use "CONCERN" in a Sentence: Real Examples
Here are a few examples showing how CONCERN in a sentence can change based on meaning:
Noun: Her biggest concern was whether the project would finish on time.
Verb: The new policy concerns all employees in the company.
Noun: Environmental concerns led the city to limit car traffic downtown.
Verb: As for me, the decision concerns safety more than convenience.
CONCERN in NYT Connections #1107 — Why Did It Appear?
In NYT Connections #1107 on 2026-04-06, CONCERN appeared in the Green category titled “INTEREST” alongside CLAIM, SHARE, and STAKE. The logic was that each word can relate to having an interest in something, especially in a formal or financial sense. That is why CONCERN meaning in word games can be misleading: players may first think of “worry,” but the puzzle wanted the “having an interest/involvement” sense instead.
This made CONCERN NYT Connections answer especially tricky for players who did not see the theme immediately. In a word group like this, CONCERN is not about anxiety; it is about relevance, stake, or involvement. If you were searching what does CONCERN mean in NYT Connections, the answer is that it fit the category through the idea of “interest,” not the everyday “worry” definition. For word puzzle solvers, that is exactly the kind of shift that makes Connections difficult.
Concern Word Origin and Etymology
The CONCERN origin traces back to Late Latin concernere, formed from con- (“together”) and cernere (“to sift, separate, discern”). Early senses carried the idea of mixing or relating things together, which eventually developed into meanings tied to relevance and involvement. Over time, English adopted the word through French and Latin influences, and its use expanded in both everyday and formal language.
Historically, CONCERN evolved from a general notion of relation into more specific meanings like “to affect,” “to relate to,” and “to worry.” That’s why the modern CONCERN definition includes both emotional and practical senses. In legal, business, and academic writing, the word often sounds formal; in everyday conversation, it usually signals worry or importance. This range helps explain why CONCERN meaning can feel obvious in one context and confusing in another.
Frequently Asked Questions About "CONCERN"
What does CONCERN mean? (Quick Answer)
The word CONCERN means something that affects, interests, or worries someone. It can refer to a matter, issue, or feeling of anxiety depending on context.
Is "CONCERN" a valid Scrabble word?
Yes, CONCERN is a valid Scrabble word, and it scores 12 points. It is useful because it has a common letter pattern and can often be played when you need a solid mid-length word.
What is the best synonym for CONCERN?
The best CONCERN synonym depends on context: worry is best for anxiety, while interest fits the NYT Connections sense and more formal “involvement” usage.
How do you pronounce CONCERN?
CONCERN pronunciation: /kən-SURN/ or /kən-SERN/ depending on accent, with stress on the second syllable: con-CERN.
Is CONCERN used in everyday English?
Yes, CONCERN is used in everyday English and is fully contemporary. People use it in conversation, news, and formal writing, such as “My concern is the deadline” or “This concerns everyone.”
