Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective aware contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of aware are alive, awake, cognizant, conscious, and sensible. While all these words mean "having knowledge of something," aware implies vigilance in observing or alertness in drawing inferences from what one experiences.

aware of changes in climate

How are the words alive and sensible related as synonyms of aware?

Alive adds to sensible the implication of acute sensitivity to something.

alive to the thrill of danger

When could awake be used to replace aware?

While the synonyms awake and aware are close in meaning, awake implies that one has become alive to something and is on the alert.

a country always awake to the threat of invasion

When might cognizant be a better fit than aware?

While in some cases nearly identical to aware, cognizant implies having special or certain knowledge as from firsthand sources.

not fully cognizant of the facts

When is it sensible to use conscious instead of aware?

In some situations, the words conscious and aware are roughly equivalent. However, conscious implies that one is focusing one's attention on something or is even preoccupied by it.

conscious that my heart was pounding

In what contexts can sensible take the place of aware?

The words sensible and aware are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sensible implies direct or intuitive perceiving especially of intangibles or of emotional states or qualities.

sensible of a teacher's influence

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 aware But, as Altman is probably aware, there are a growing number of AI researchers who are in fact looking at ways to get AI to improve its own code. Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 19 June 2025 They have also been committed to ensuring more fans are aware of the U.S. holiday and its significance. Caché McClay, USA Today, 19 June 2025 White planters and business owners were often aware of the large gatherings, which technically were banned, while there’s documentary evidence of some people getting caught, Gary said. Ben Finley, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025 Constance was aware of others around them observing the scene. Jim Shepard, New Yorker, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for aware
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aware
Adjective
  • Paloma Wool Originating in Barcelona, Paloma Wool specializes in conscious garments and accessories to be worn as an art form, where getting dressed is not just a necessity, but an expression of oneself.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 24 June 2025
  • Much has been made about the conscious uncoupling of Devers and the Red Sox last Sunday.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • Leaders should be cognizant of the algorithmic harms from the lack of transparency and oversight in AI, alongside the considerable benefits of digital transformation.
    Anjana Susarla, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • Clark, who spoke before the game but not after it, is cognizant of her importance and takes being a role model seriously.
    Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • Editor’s Note: Please be mindful that this transcript does not go through our standard editorial process and may contain inaccuracies and grammatical errors.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 25 June 2025
  • Lightweight forms of polymorphism can also be applied to IoT cybersecurity, rotating communication protocols and encryption keys, enhancing resilience and being mindful of resources simultaneously.
    Carlo Tortora Brayda, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • But despite that backing, most Americans are wary of the consequences.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
  • Be wary of any domains using current event keywords to solicit a click.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aware.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aware. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on aware

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