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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of apprehension
Any such apprehension would be a natural consequence of anticipating what is at stake.
—
Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 6 May 2026
No apprehensions have been made.
—Kelsey Brown, San Antonio Express-News, 3 May 2026
But any apprehension quickly gave way to appreciation, said Wintour.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
McIlraith said her apprehensions over FEMA’s future persist as the agency continues operating without a permanent administrator and recovers from the record-long DHS shutdown that ended Thursday.
—ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 6 May 2026
No apprehensions have been made.
—Kelsey Brown, San Antonio Express-News, 3 May 2026
But any apprehension quickly gave way to appreciation, said Wintour.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
McIlraith said her apprehensions over FEMA’s future persist as the agency continues operating without a permanent administrator and recovers from the record-long DHS shutdown that ended Thursday.
—ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehension
Noun
-
After three seasons of almost nothing but dread and sorrow, the NBA’s most woebegone franchise, for generations, finally had a moment to celebrate.—
David Aldridge,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
After his teenage son goes missing, Daniel combs the depths of the Vistula River day and night, caught in a grueling, endless routine and torn between the dread of a fatal leap and the fragile hope that his son may still be alive.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
Khartoum was safer than Kordofan, but Nuba and other minority groups were still subjected to arbitrary arrests and detention.—
Annie Hylton,
New Yorker,
14 May 2026
-
An arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.—
Dennis Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
Renter Mandy Feng, who prefers to use a pseudonym for fear of being seen criticizing the authorities, said the stimulus the government is offering has failed to offset people’s anxiety over an uncertain economic outlook.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026
-
China's exports gathered pace in April as factories scrambled to meet surging overseas demand from foreign buyers stockpiling goods as the Iran fanned fears of higher input costs.—
Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Cultural understanding and linguistic responsiveness are essential components of effective treatment.—
Maria Bledsoe,
The Orlando Sentinel,
17 May 2026
-
Why Plants Wilt Reversing wilt begins with a basic understanding of what is going on in a plant when the leaves droop and the stems go limp.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Another reasonable worry is energy.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
14 May 2026
-
With one less worry – a safe home – Denise can now imagine a future for her family.—
Jayme Fraser,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Accessibility Rooms for those with mobility needs are in place, and the fitness club, pool, spa, and public bathrooms also address accessibility concerns.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
-
Since then, a growing number of cities have opted to further regulate e-bikes, citing a growing number of incidents and safety concerns.—
Hannah Elsmore,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Modern presidents from Ronald Reagan to Barack Obama to Joe Biden spoke to the Jewish community in the language of protection, inclusion, and appreciation for the contributions Jews have made to American life.—
Ari Berman,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
-
This strategy allows investors to collect premium income while retaining a window for capital appreciation, a necessary feature when a stock exhibits the fundamental and technical strength currently seen in XOM.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Renter Mandy Feng, who prefers to use a pseudonym for fear of being seen criticizing the authorities, said the stimulus the government is offering has failed to offset people’s anxiety over an uncertain economic outlook.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026
-
As anyone who deals with anxiety knows, one of its chief triggers is uncertainty.—
Tom Dotan,
Vanity Fair,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Apprehension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehension. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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