APPREHENSION Synonyms: 145 Similar and Opposite Words

apprehension

noun

ˌa-pri-ˈhen(t)-shən

Definition of apprehension

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

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

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

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

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 apprehension The news was met with an already-familiar sense of fear and apprehension. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 9 Sep. 2026 Rachel Moser, 56, also was charged with hindering the apprehension of a fugitive and criminal use of a communication device. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 Garnett previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit arson, tampering with evidence, hindering apprehension and abuse of a corpse. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026 Some apprehensions that occurred during the recent arrest surge came from ICE activity at airports. — Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for apprehension

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehension

Noun

The look back shows the familiar societal cycle around powerful technology, spanning excitement, anxiety, and dread.

— J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 18 Sep. 2026
The spikes suffuse the air with a hard to describe but palpable dread.

— Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of dread

Noun

Frimpong also ordered the government to thoroughly document the probable cause that leads to an arrest before a warrant could be obtained.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
Her lengthy arrest record grew over the following years, and in 1981 she was imprisoned after robbing a convenience store.

— Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of arrest

Noun

Lawrence has widened his aim to the entire AI industry, calling for a pause on AI development in the wake of fears from some at the companies that the technology could eliminate humanity.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026
Feldstein’s arrest was kept under a sweeping gag order, for fear that disclosing it would compromise Israeli intelligence, but the Haaretz reporter Bar Peleg soon learned of it.

— Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of fear

Noun

This theory is based on our understanding of the abilities of apes, as evidence suggest both chimpanzees and gorillas have gestural communication systems.

— Hannah Little, Scientific American, 20 Sep. 2026
Whether the China business can further develop these dimensions will depend on the local team’s understanding of individual city needs, as well as the ability of its stores and communities to consistently deliver high-quality experiences.

— Advertorial, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of understanding

Noun

For Villa, there were mitigating circumstances in this latest defeat by Glasner, yet the worry is they are still being caught with the same punches.

— Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Similar economic stressors like finding a new job if they get laid off, employer reductions of healthcare or retirement benefits, or simply not advancing in their career at pace significantly outrank worries about the impact of AI.

— Stacey Zolt Hara, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of worry

Noun

Investors seeking total return, which includes price appreciation and income, may want to stick with equities right now since bond yields are expected to move higher, said Rehling.

— Michelle Fox, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
What distinguished their negotiations was that Kissinger and Zhou each established a true intellectual appreciation for the other as a partner.

— Orville Schell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of appreciation

Noun

Plus, the recent detention of several Haitian pastors by immigration authorities is fueling even more anxiety among congregants.

— Lauren Costantino September 19, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026
Given the characters’ extreme situation, black humor also feels natural—a way of protecting themselves from anxiety and fear.

— Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of anxiety

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apprehensible

apprehension

apprehensions

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Style

“Apprehension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehension. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of apprehension

noun

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