1
as in dread
suspicion or fear of future harm or misfortune
the hikers entered the dark cave with a great deal of apprehension
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arrest
the act of taking into one's control by authority of law
apprehension of the burglar set the neighborhood at ease
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in fear
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble
felt a great deal of apprehension about the trip and about arriving safely
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in understanding
the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something
a good apprehension of how computer systems work
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of apprehension
Most forecasts are now downplaying the possibility of a recession in the next 12 months.
Tariff Jitters
The apprehension over tariffs is real.
—
George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
In that same conversation with Ernaux, Tsushima told the following anecdote about the vexing relationship between our mundane experience of quotidian life and our apprehension of large-scale historical events:
Recently, a thief broke into my house.
—Katie Kitamura, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
Within the hearts and faces of the Class of 2025 is a mixture of anticipation and apprehension — on the edge of a world that is, by turns, irreverent and weary, defiant and desperate for something more.
—F. Willis Johnson, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025
Police in Mascotte, Florida conducted a traffic stop on June 27 that led to the apprehension of 33-year-old Kevin Dias, Lt. Ryan Bessette of the Waterbury Police Department said in a statement issued Wednesday.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
In that same conversation with Ernaux, Tsushima told the following anecdote about the vexing relationship between our mundane experience of quotidian life and our apprehension of large-scale historical events:
Recently, a thief broke into my house.
—Katie Kitamura, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
Within the hearts and faces of the Class of 2025 is a mixture of anticipation and apprehension — on the edge of a world that is, by turns, irreverent and weary, defiant and desperate for something more.
—F. Willis Johnson, Twin Cities, 10 July 2025
Police in Mascotte, Florida conducted a traffic stop on June 27 that led to the apprehension of 33-year-old Kevin Dias, Lt. Ryan Bessette of the Waterbury Police Department said in a statement issued Wednesday.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehension
Noun
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That feeling of dread is really only a response to our dread as to what humans are capable of.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Aug. 2025
-
Right now, a legislator, even Anwar, spending time in prison adds to the whispers of dread circulating around Hartford.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
9 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Epstein’s relationship with the rich and powerful has been the subject of intense speculation in the years since his arrest and death by suicide in 2019.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
5 Aug. 2025
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According to a Glenview police news release, the department took Ray-Williams into custody June 16 on a Glenview arrest warrant.—
Pioneer Press,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The study is not meant to fuel fears but to provide a clear argument for planetary defense by putting the risks of asteroid impacts into context.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
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During the Industrial Revolution, the electrification era and the rise of the internet, every technological leap introduced fear and, eventually, growth.—
Trushant Mehta,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The best platform teams are the ones that build a deep understanding of the daily realities of developers, security professionals and operations specialists.—
Adrian Bridgwater,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
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But without Bertha’s savvy understanding of polite society, George wouldn’t be able to court critical clients outside the office, sustain essential relationships, or properly position his family for upward mobility.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
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His worry is that a robust response could be lacking since both the U.S. and a number of European countries have cut so much of their humanitarian aid.—
Gabrielle Emanuel,
NPR,
13 Aug. 2025
-
The New York Yankees have maintained an optimistic tone, despite some real reason for worry.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
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For Type 2 Diabetes, Potatoes Have a Bad Rap Blood sugar control is no small concern for Americans.—
Sarah Garone,
Health,
8 Aug. 2025
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Flood — a second-term Republican — hosted the public gathering Monday night where attendees loudly berated him about concerns that social safety net programs, namely Medicaid, would be affected by the president's signature piece of legislation.—
Obed Manuel,
NPR,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Good news: An appreciation of good graces isn’t going anywhere, at least in our neck of the woods.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
16 Aug. 2025
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The store has an intimate but dynamic feel, designed to spark conversation, connection and a deeper appreciation for diverse storytelling.—
American Booksellers Association,
USA Today,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Ultimately, these discussions about college don’t have to include arguments or high anxiety.—
Robert Cole,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
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By Linda Wells Skin in the Game Leather Bound Tanning is back, and Gen Z is ignoring the risks, turning to sunbathing and tanning beds to soothe anxiety and feel in control By Erin Flaherty Read On Dietary Restrictions?—
Jeanne Malle,
Air Mail,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apprehension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehension. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
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