Definition of consciousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective conscious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of conscious are alive, awake, aware, cognizant, and sensible. While all these words mean "having knowledge of something," conscious implies that one is focusing one's attention on something or is even preoccupied by it.

conscious that my heart was pounding

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

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

alive to the thrill of danger

In what contexts can awake take the place of conscious?

While in some cases nearly identical to conscious, 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 aware be a better fit than conscious?

In some situations, the words aware and conscious are roughly equivalent. However, aware implies vigilance in observing or alertness in drawing inferences from what one experiences.

aware of changes in climate

When can cognizant be used instead of conscious?

The synonyms cognizant and conscious are sometimes interchangeable, but cognizant implies having special or certain knowledge as from firsthand sources.

not fully cognizant of the facts

When is sensible a more appropriate choice than conscious?

The words sensible and conscious 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 conscious That same underlying rhythm in laughter is shaped by a conscious control to communicate varying emotions and intentions. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 25 June 2026 The MacBook Neo, which Apple introduced earlier this year to appeal to budget-conscious customers at a starting price of $599, has increased to $699. Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 25 June 2026 That achievement carries particular significance because Los Angeles is pursuing one of the most infrastructure-conscious Olympic models in modern history. Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 For a fashion-conscious patient, the appearance of the final result is often an important consideration in getting a transplant in the end. Malana Vantyler, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for conscious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conscious
Adjective
  • The broad genre of pop also gives artists room to experiment, said O’Brien, adding that audiences these days are well aware of the concept of eras and understand artists will go through multiple ones throughout their careers.
    Chelsey Sanchez, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • After clearing logjams in the White House and House of Representatives, the legislation drew broad support in an election year where both parties are increasingly aware that voters have said they're fed up with the high cost of living.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • What is needed now is a deliberate consolidation of overlapping groups into effective coalitions, accompanied by rigorous tracking of donors and their commitments.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026
  • Also woven into the story is Lim Bo Seng, the real-life resistance leader who serves as a mentor figure to Kai, and Takeshi Inoue, a Japanese officer drawn with deliberate moral complexity.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 June 2026
Adjective
  • In April, the company offered its first voluntary buyouts.
    Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 27 June 2026
  • The order described participation by AI developers as voluntary but the framework has not yet been fully developed.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Tumpa, her nephew, and Oro Recovery were also all accused of intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress, and invasion of privacy by public disclosure of private facts.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
  • Under church law, the consecrations constitute a schismatic act, or an intentional rupture of the unity of the Catholic Church, and incur automatic excommunication for the four bishops and the bishop administering the consecration.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • The plaintiffs have also accused Bayer of negligence and misrepresentation of Roundup's safety in its marketing, and have alleged that the product was defective for its intended purpose.
    Diana Novak Jones, USA Today, 25 June 2026
  • Just avoid overinvesting at the same time to allow your other assets to perform as intended.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 17 June 2026
Adjective
  • Some of Thomas’s critique appeared to be aimed at weak-willed conservatives, including his fellow-Justices, for being, as Thomas perceives it, too spineless to stand up for the ideals enshrined in the Declaration.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 21 May 2026
  • Meanwhile, gracious but iron-willed family matriarch Claudine works tirelessly behind the scenes to hush up family scandals.
    Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Conscious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conscious. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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