Synonyms of apprehension

apprehension

noun

ˌa-pri-ˈhen(t)-shən 

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

• dread
• worry
• anxiety
• uncertainty
• concern
• fearfulness
• unease
• apprehensiveness
• alarm
• misgiving
• uneasiness
• foreboding
• suspense
• doubt
• agitation
• perturbation
• distress
• mistrust
• disquiet
• disquietude
• wariness
• anxiousness
• solicitude
• disturbance
• funk
• pessimism
• scruple
• suspiciousness
• defeatism
• premonition
• presentiment
• incertitude
• foreknowledge
• presage

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• excitement
• anticipation
• hope
• confidence
• hopefulness
• optimism
• sanguinity

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

• arrest
• arrestment
• raid
• collar
• pinch
• imprisonment
• seizure
• bust
• capture
• detention
• confinement
• restraint
• entrapment
• incarceration
• house arrest
• captivity
• remand
• rearrest
• enchainment
• immurement
• hold

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharge
• release
• liberation
• emancipation

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

• fear
• concern
• anxiety
• worry
• unease
• concernment
• uneasiness
• nervousness
• fearfulness
• uncertainty
• disquietude
• agitation
• apprehensiveness
• disquiet
• perturbation
• solicitude
• anxiousness
• tension
• discomfort
• dread
• panic
• desperation
• doubt
• sweat
• care
• anguish
• stress
• nervosity
• agita
• dismay
• distress
• consternation
• disturbance
• tremor
• desperateness
• jitters
• alarm
• suspense
• angst
• strain
• discomposure
• misgiving
• vexation
• upset
• torment
• jumpiness
• presentiment
• distraction
• edginess
• compunction
• qualm
• franticness
• foreboding
• hand-wringing
• incertitude
• scruple
• cold feet

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unconcern
• ease
• peace
• contentment
• content
• calmness
• calm
• serenity
• easiness
• tranquility
• quietude
• relief
• peacefulness
• quiet
• placidity
• comfort
• consolation
• solace
• placidness
• sereneness
• tranquilness

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

• understanding
• appreciation
• perception
• grasp
• comprehension
• awareness
• grip
• percipience
• absorption
• conception
• digestion
• assimilation
• uptake
• realization
• consciousness
• hold
• visualization
• enlightenment

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incomprehension
• misunderstanding
• misinterpretation
• misapprehension
• misperception
• noncomprehension
• miscomprehension

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of apprehension

Yet DePaul University professor Martha Gardner offers an alternative perspective, one where the experiences of immigrants can offer society comfort, cohesion and a sense of hope in their nation during times of apprehension. — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026

Also, some consumers show a significant level of apprehension and distrust about the science behind the product on chat platforms like Reddit. — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 24 June 2026

Last week, federal officials announced the apprehension of Said Abdullahi Ereg, 47, who was wanted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026

Since Martinez’s apprehension, her teenage daughter now struggles to focus on her schoolwork, the lawsuit said. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2026

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