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 The stalking became more invasive in 2019 when Kaya, who was by then 17 and aware of the letters, was called from a classroom to the school office. Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 11 Nov. 2025 Be aware that charging may take more time in cold temperatures. Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 10 Nov. 2025 For their part, the Duffer Brothers Matt and Ross, presiding over the Stranger Things franchise since its inception, are now acutely aware of that difference. Josh Wigler, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2025 In an interview with CBS News’ The Takeout, Khanna said Schumer was fully aware of the negotiations and should be held accountable. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aware
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aware
Adjective
  • Even calling it a magazine is a conscious way of trying to distinguish the work producers are putting months and months of effort into recording and writing from what podcasting has become.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • And while an uncertain economy and ever-skyrocketing cost of living are making people more price-conscious and wary, Razavi explained that this also opens up the possibilities for growth as consumers are now more open to other shopping avenues.
    Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • People are advised to refrain from burning until conditions improve and also be cognizant of frigid temperatures and make efforts to protect themselves from the cold.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Rising Production Costs Drive Asian Co-Production Pivot Producers in Asia are cognizant of rising costs in their domestic markets.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Fearing a spike in anti-Japanese sentiment ahead of the parade, the Japanese embassy in Beijing warned its citizens to stay cautious and avoid speaking Japanese loudly in public – perhaps mindful that in recent years, there has been a spate of violent attacks against Japanese nationals in China.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 12 Nov. 2025
  • Reading print is a mindful act.
    Kelly Ehlers, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Most Venezuelans who spoke to CNN in Caracas were wary of sharing their opinions publicly.
    Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Republicans, meanwhile, remain wary of voting to extend the additional Obamacare subsidies, said Rodney Whitlock, a vice president at the McDermott+ consultancy who was a longtime congressional staffer and advises on health care policy.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aware.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aware. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on aware

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