consciousness

noun

ˈkän(t)-shəs-nəs How to pronounce consciousness (audio)
Definition of consciousnessnext
as in awareness
a state of being aware a glaring problem that somehow has yet to penetrate the consciousness of the people that run this company

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 consciousness In both Open Throat and Etna, brevity is central to characterizing animal consciousness. — Rachel Vorona Cote, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 Watch for signs of heat illness, such as heavy sweating; nausea; headache; dizziness or weakness; cool, pale and clammy skin; altered mental state and loss of consciousness. — Howard Cohen july 29, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026 Transport second Warning signs of heat stroke include dizziness, headache, nausea, severe fatigue, and can include confusion, combativeness or potential loss of consciousness, Casa says. — Scott Neuman, NPR, 29 July 2026 OpenAI is adding its latest, most-advanced voice capabilities to the ChatGPT desktop app, allowing users to talk to their computers and ask the AI to complete tasks in a stream-of-consciousness, hands-free manner. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for consciousness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consciousness
  1. awareness
  2. attention
  3. mindfulness
Noun
  • Now, after entering Europe in 2023 with a London store, the brand has its sights on further international expansion, in brand awareness and distribution, with Europe first in line.
    — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The initiative began in 2016 as a way to honor and build awareness for African, African American and Caribbean cuisine with partnerships, culinary events and marketing campaigns intended to highlight small, local food and beverage businesses.
    — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of awareness
Noun
  • The design is laid-back and a little bit funky, just like Austin, with minimalist furnishings, warm natural materials, and local artwork, plus floor-to-ceiling windows that draw your attention out to Austin’s natural beauty.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Too many brands exhaust their marketing budgets fighting for attention during the primary event when real power lies in owning the transitional micro-moment immediately following exertion.
    — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of attention
Noun
  • Re-centering mindfulness on the body, as originally taught, promises a more complete and joyful life.
    — Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Medical treatments, especially those as complex as stem cell therapy, demand mindfulness and understanding from those administering them.
    — Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Definition of mindfulness

Browse Nearby Words

consciously
consciousness
conscribe
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Cite this Entry

“Consciousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consciousness. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on consciousness

Nglish: Translation of consciousness for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about consciousness

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