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
Predicting a Century of Weather Marveling through the windows of propeller planes, Bretherton developed an appreciation for — and apprehension about — the complexity of clouds.
—
Quanta Magazine, 20 Feb. 2026
The article points to significant increases in unaccompanied minor apprehensions during Obama’s tenure and the establishment of family detention centers like the Dilley Immigration Processing Center, which housed children in conditions documented as inadequate by ProPublica.
—Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
And while the events in places such as Minnesota have garnered the largest attention, Rhode Island has had its fair share of moments, from incidents at courthouses to neighborhood apprehension efforts.
—Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 13 Feb. 2026
Exilus and Walker, meanwhile face an additional charge of third-degree hindering the apprehension of another, Santiago said.
—Jessica Schladebeck, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Quanta Magazine, 20 Feb. 2026
The article points to significant increases in unaccompanied minor apprehensions during Obama’s tenure and the establishment of family detention centers like the Dilley Immigration Processing Center, which housed children in conditions documented as inadequate by ProPublica.
—Fidel Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
And while the events in places such as Minnesota have garnered the largest attention, Rhode Island has had its fair share of moments, from incidents at courthouses to neighborhood apprehension efforts.
—Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 13 Feb. 2026
Exilus and Walker, meanwhile face an additional charge of third-degree hindering the apprehension of another, Santiago said.
—Jessica Schladebeck, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehension
Noun
-
Mirror images except for the fact that Jelani has his hair in dreads, while Ari goes with the more retro-look afro.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Shoppers who fluctuate between sizes, dread sitting in rigid denim, have arthritis, and are in the early stages of pregnancy also give the jeans a thumbs-up for their flexible fit, breathable fabric, and easy pull-on design.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Alfredo Muñoz has multiple prior arrests for burglary, assault, vehicle theft and weapons and drug offenses as well as resisting arrest, according to court records.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Feb. 2026
-
She is accused of colluding with foreign forces and police have offered a bounty of HK$1 million ($128,000) for her arrest.—
Reuters 7 hr ago,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That puts the fear of God into him.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Feb. 2026
-
The Showtime Lakers faced those fears and overcame them.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Tretter has a strong understanding of the inner workings of the union.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
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Much further into Paton’s career, that same understanding has built with Payton, as the Broncos’ general manager has grown well aware of the player profile (smart, tough) that Payton favors.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
While many retirees focus on market crashes or poor investment returns as their biggest worry, financial experts warn that the slow, steady rise in the cost of living may actually pose a greater danger — one that can stretch across decades and leave retirees struggling to keep up.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
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Hufnagel addressed those worries, saying that 2026 is focused on optimizing the footprint through sharper assortments and marketing to support full-price sell-through and sustainable long-term growth.—
Stephen Garner,
Footwear News,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Our biggest concern should always be the goal.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Cost-of-living concerns are driving voter preferences, with affordability emerging as a defining issue that could shape the election.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Walmart, in an email to The Associated Press, expressed its appreciation for the commitment and effort of its drivers, highlighting their important role in delivering quality service and products to customers.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
27 Feb. 2026
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Stasevska, with her razor-sharp appreciation of the power of Glass’ work, is the ideal conductor to bring it there.—
Tim Greiving,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Tobacco parallels The Los Angeles trial centers on allegations made by a 20-year-old woman, Kaley, and her mother that four social media giants intentionally designed addictive platforms that hooked her as a child and led to mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
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The lurch from confidence to anxiety has been a key reason Villa have not held their nerve in some supposedly easier fixtures.—
Jacob Tanswell,
New York Times,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Apprehension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehension. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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