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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.

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

"I definitely don't stay calmer or more patient this week. If anything, I am probably more on edge," said the 34-year-old Englishman who ended the day on four under.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

The tension is keeping oil markets on edge, pushing Canadian energy stocks higher.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

“The market is certainly on edge as it relates to Iran,” said Jed Ellerbroek, portfolio manager at Argent Capital Management.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

She felt on edge, sleep deprived, and overcaffeinated.

From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway