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
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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
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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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of apprehension
Despite her expertise, renovating her own space came with some apprehension — and dug up past pain.
—
Stacy Lambe,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
Nearly 25% of parents who track their adult children said the monitoring could sometimes magnify their apprehensions rather than give them reassurance, according to the poll.
—
Avni Trivedi,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
Lux won first place in six separate areas that emphasize searching ability, detection and criminal apprehension.
—
Clifford Ward,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2026
Dwayne Johnson is reflecting on a cancer scare that left him in a state of apprehension.
—
Chanel Vargas,
InStyle,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Stacy Lambe,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
Nearly 25% of parents who track their adult children said the monitoring could sometimes magnify their apprehensions rather than give them reassurance, according to the poll.
—
Avni Trivedi,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
Lux won first place in six separate areas that emphasize searching ability, detection and criminal apprehension.
—
Clifford Ward,
Chicago Tribune,
12 June 2026
Dwayne Johnson is reflecting on a cancer scare that left him in a state of apprehension.
—
Chanel Vargas,
InStyle,
11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehension
Noun
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Only rush-hour traffic and $20 tacos inspire the same level of dread.
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The long and painful rehab would have interfered with his writing; the dread of leaving behind an incomplete manuscript outweighed the benefit of a few extra months.
Noun
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Joanna Shoulder received the beating as discipline for wetting her bed, according to a homicide detective’s account of his interview of the girl’s father described in an arrest warrant affidavit.
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Family set to announce reward Weeks later, with no leads or arrests in the case, one theory is gaining traction with the victim's family.
Noun
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With the end of the month fast approaching, the migrant exodus has continued as fear of further mob attacks spreads through poor neighborhoods and informal settlements.
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Agents from Hawthorne to Manhattan Beach, Venice and Santa Monica report early inquiries on $5-million-plus properties, raising fears of speculative price spikes and even tighter inventory.
Noun
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Kaplan hopes better understanding of that pathway eventually could help skin diseases such as chronic eczema.
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After my first World Cup, my understanding of my grandparents’ home country became one-dimensional, existing solely through the lens of soccer.
Noun
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Any worries about complacency were wiped away in the third minute when Auston Trusty fired home the opening goal and caused the stands at SoFi Stadium to shake (literally) with the noise and jumping fans.
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Reformation’s move toward the open market also signals that the time might be right — with Wall Street hitting all-time highs despite worries about inflation and AI — for fashion to jump in.
Noun
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Newsom has not said if the newer version of the bill quells this concern.
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Still, British politics could become a more pressing concern for the bond market with Burnham at the helm.
Noun
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My years in medicine reinforced my appreciation for this country.
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The musical moment of appreciation between the players and patrons has echoed through the stadiums of Los Angeles and Seattle.
Noun
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If that conversation also seems too anxiety-provoking, focus on modes of communication that do feel accessible to you.
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The resulting anxiety and panic are an unfortunate side effect of a banner year for fireworks shows.
Cite this Entry
“Apprehension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehension. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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