Definition of awarenext

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 Anyone who follows California housing policy is well aware of Huntington Beach’s losing efforts to defy the state’s effort to permit more housing development. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 21 Jan. 2026 Since skiing powder isn’t an everyday thing for eastern skiers, some of us not only don’t know how to handle it while on skis, but are not aware of some super basic steps to experience powder skiing at your very best. Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026 The initial stock market dip on Tuesday was relatively contained compared to past bouts of trade uncertainty in part because investors are more aware of the impact of tariffs and there is skepticism that Trump would actually go through with a serious attempt to take over Greenland. John Towfighi, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026 Stay weather-aware, prepare ahead of time, and consider adjusting weekend travel plans as needed. Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aware
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aware
Adjective
  • Travel became more intentional, efficient, and cost-conscious.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Given its ever relevant themes, the film seems overloaded with influences at times—conscious or not—including The Substance (2024), Raw (2016), the 2001 Smallville episode ‘Craving’, and believe it or not, even the 2019 Bob’s Burgers episode ‘Pig Trouble in Little Tina’.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • If anything, Maye will need to be even more cognizant of his blind side, and Josh McDaniels will need to design plays to get the ball out even faster.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 21 Jan. 2026
  • And the folks out there are very cognizant of that.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Levin took time to educate him about traffic safety and how to be a more mindful driver, Bushala said.
    Claire Wang, Oc Register, 7 Jan. 2026
  • If large stuck-on food chunks remain, carefully scrape them off with a razor blade, being mindful not to scratch the stovetop.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Hamilton, wary of France’s descent into chaos and its aggressive wars, contended that treaties are contracts with specific regimes, not eternal bonds irrespective of change.
    Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
  • As measles outbreaks flared up across the US last year, causing a record number of cases, Scott Thorpe kept a wary eye on Spartanburg County, South Carolina.
    Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Aware.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aware. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on aware

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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