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

That decision was met with apprehension from many in the Lake Worth community who spoke at meetings to passionately defended Ramirez and said real progress had occurred under his leadership. — Samuel O’Neal 15, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026

Jimmy, an 18-month-old German shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix from Europe, is certified in apprehension and the detection of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and fentanyl. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026

During the apprehension, the department’s Crime Prevention Unit was assisting Meriden police in connection with a vehicle that was reportedly tied to the armed robbery. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026

He was charged with hindering apprehension, obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence in connection with this case. — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 2 July 2026

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