1
as in dread
suspicion or fear of future harm or misfortune
the hikers entered the dark cave with a great deal of apprehension
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arrest
the act of taking into one's control by authority of law
apprehension of the burglar set the neighborhood at ease
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in fear
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble
felt a great deal of apprehension about the trip and about arriving safely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in understanding
the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something
a good apprehension of how computer systems work
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of apprehension
Lux won first place in six separate areas that emphasize searching ability, detection and criminal apprehension.
—
Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
Dwayne Johnson is reflecting on a cancer scare that left him in a state of apprehension.
—Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 11 June 2026
Perhaps my mother’s parents are trying to bend their apprehension into hope.
—Andrea Bajani, New Yorker, 7 June 2026
Everything felt loud and inordinate; my initial apprehension was confirmed by the exhibition’s installation design.
—James Quandt, Artforum, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026
Dwayne Johnson is reflecting on a cancer scare that left him in a state of apprehension.
—Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 11 June 2026
Perhaps my mother’s parents are trying to bend their apprehension into hope.
—Andrea Bajani, New Yorker, 7 June 2026
Everything felt loud and inordinate; my initial apprehension was confirmed by the exhibition’s installation design.
—James Quandt, Artforum, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehension
Noun
-
Only rush-hour traffic and $20 tacos inspire the same level of dread.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 June 2026
-
The long and painful rehab would have interfered with his writing; the dread of leaving behind an incomplete manuscript outweighed the benefit of a few extra months.—
Griffin Dunne,
Vulture,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
White was remanded following his initial arrest in March 2025, and will be arraigned at a later date.—
Katie Houlis,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
-
One of the victim’s owners tipped off authorities a day before the couple’s arrest.—
Seamus Bozeman
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
As Kennedy and Bessette spend more time together and grow closer, her intimidation of the spotlight and fear of invasive paparazzi often create tension in their relationship, despite his attempts to calm the situation.—
Gerrad Hall,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 June 2026
-
Throughout the whole battle, that’s when fear really sets in for Jace.—
Sean T. Collins,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
Sina Azodi, director of George Washington University’s Middle East studies program, noted Israel’s attacks on Lebanon are an issue for Iran while the US could possibly interpret Tehran claiming to close the Strait of Hormuz as a violation of the memorandum of understanding.—
Mitchell McCluskey,
CNN Money,
21 June 2026
-
In fact, some are doing little to hide their skepticism – and, in some cases, outright frustration – with the memorandum of understanding, which White House officials hope to spin into a more lasting peace agreement and nuclear accord.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
Wood’s career was derailed by injuries, leading to worries of hard throwers being susceptible to blowing out pitching arms.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 June 2026
-
The New Jersey Girl and its parent company, The Local Girl Media Group, live on addressing public worries; this one just happened to have stakes for a broader population.—
Justin Birnbaum,
Sportico.com,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Disney is betting that this universal concern will drive audiences to the film.—
Cerys Davies,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
-
From Lowell to Los Angeles, there are coast to coast concerns about what these data centers can do to the environment.—
David Wade,
CBS News,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
At a time when the United States has tense relationships with many of its overseas allies, international tourists' appreciation of American culture offers a counterpoint to the animosity between politicians.—
Ava Berger,
NPR,
19 June 2026
-
Furthermore, modeling vulnerability and continuous learning builds trust, while honoring small, often unseen acts of appreciation fosters connection.—
Maria Ross,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
As burnout, anxiety and digital overload continue to climb, many are discovering that recovery requires doing less—not more.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
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In a neighborhood sometimes marked by gangs and violence, and in a time of heightened anxiety over immigration enforcement, the Fiesta Back of the Yards acts as a beacon of light, offering food, social services, music and fun in a safe environment.—
Allison Kiehl,
Chicago Tribune,
21 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Apprehension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehension. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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