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
But distaste was evident in their pained grins, and their eyes betrayed fresh apprehension of me.
—
Jeff Spry, Space.com, 30 Jan. 2026
In 2025, Fayette County Corrections was listed as the apprehension site for 172 arrests, the second highest in the state.
—Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Jan. 2026
Authorities are offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the suspect's identity, apprehension and conviction.
—Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
But in Switzerland, policymakers are watching with apprehension.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Jeff Spry, Space.com, 30 Jan. 2026
In 2025, Fayette County Corrections was listed as the apprehension site for 172 arrests, the second highest in the state.
—Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Jan. 2026
Authorities are offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the suspect's identity, apprehension and conviction.
—Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026
But in Switzerland, policymakers are watching with apprehension.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehension
Noun
-
Suffused with dread and bathed in reverb, the record captures two virtuosos at their most vulnerable.—
Paul A. Thompson,
Pitchfork,
23 Jan. 2026
-
The dread of blacklisting among cast and crew members who jump from job to job in the entertainment industry isn’t unique to The Cleaning Lady.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Giuliano told Venezuelan news site TalCual that Saab may make an appearance to refute the arrest allegations himself but was consulting with the government about what had happened.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
-
At the time, analysts had attributed Baumgertner's arrest to retaliation for Uralkali's decision to pull out of a joint venture.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
His greatest fear is summer — when warm weather could bring even larger crowds if enforcement is still ongoing.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
-
Students without legal status couldn’t speak out without fear of deportation, and universities were rushing to determine how to implement the ruling.—
Lily Kepner,
Austin American Statesman,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That illusion of understanding is what experts say deserves more scrutiny.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Feb. 2026
-
That discovery was crucial in giving researchers an understanding of less-visible matter in the cosmos, known now as dark matter and dark energy.—
Bob Goldsborough,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The social media giant's guidance offset worries about its sky-high spending on artificial intelligence.—
,
CNBC,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Keogh said that access is a security worry because people in the indictment include citizens of communist China, an American rival.—
Steve Patterson,
Florida Times-Union,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In the wake of Bad Bunny's halftime show selection in September, many critics raised concerns about a potential language barrier for English-language viewers.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Citi noted that market positioning continues to reflect supply concerns, with oil for near-term delivery trading at a premium to later months, and skewed call option pricing showing that traders are still paying up for protection against higher prices.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
And Strong approaches each day with a new outlook and a total appreciation for a second chance.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Sending love and strength and appreciation.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This year, anxiety over the federal government and a wavering stock market is making people less secure in their finances, causing some tenants to move in with family or friends — leaving studio and one-bedroom apartments empty.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Feb. 2026
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The nonprofit, formerly known as Sattvic Meals Foundation, aims to address hunger anxiety at community colleges.—
Anne Gelhaus,
Mercury News,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Apprehension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehension. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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