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
Or at least detained as apprehensions, dreams, or maybe even glimpses now and then.
—
David Searcy, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Buyers’ apprehensions over such scenarios are presumably among the factors that are negatively impacting sales.
—Michael L. Hyman, Miami Herald, 29 Dec. 2025
The average analyst polled by LSEG has a hold rating, with several citing apprehension about the stock’s multiple.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 Dec. 2025
The Silent Witness program highlights felony cases in the Valley in which no arrest has been made and offers a cash reward for information resulting in a suspect's apprehension.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
David Searcy, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Buyers’ apprehensions over such scenarios are presumably among the factors that are negatively impacting sales.
—Michael L. Hyman, Miami Herald, 29 Dec. 2025
The average analyst polled by LSEG has a hold rating, with several citing apprehension about the stock’s multiple.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 Dec. 2025
The Silent Witness program highlights felony cases in the Valley in which no arrest has been made and offers a cash reward for information resulting in a suspect's apprehension.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehension
Noun
-
That last reassuring prediction lowered my dread meter enough to consider the Connecticut homegrown disruptive events that will require attention but do not threaten annihilation.—
Kevin Rennie,
Hartford Courant,
3 Jan. 2026
-
For many Venezuelans in Austin, news that United States forces had captured Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, landed with a mix of relief and dread.—
Julianna Duennes Russ,
Austin American Statesman,
3 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Beere added that officers were nearing key arrests in Saturday’s triple homicide.—
Shomik Mukherjee,
Mercury News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Its most recent casualty update put the total at 34 protesters killed, two security forces killed, and 2,076 arrests.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
A lot of people get drawn into the fear, distracted by the thoughts in their head.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Many immigrant customers haven’t returned, while five of his former employees, despite having working papers, left Charlotte permanently out of fear.—
Liz Rothaus Bertrand,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Spirit, energy and enthusiasm When there were loud external calls for upgrades at safety in August, head coach Dave Canales firmly backed Scott because of his leadership and understanding of the defense.—
Mike Kaye
January 8,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Tensor said the system emphasizes contextual understanding rather than simple object detection, allowing the AI to adapt to complex and unpredictable real-world driving conditions.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Meanwhile Syria remains scarred by years of conflict and nationals in Germany are looking on at the debate with mounting worry.—
Sophie Tanno,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Leaders at big carmakers spelled out their worries in the latest round of earnings calls, saying that finding a replacement for Nexperia at scale in the short term will be difficult.—
Boston Herald Wire Services,
Boston Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The measures, which had been agreed to in writing in mid-November 2023, were intended to address Lively’s concerns about on-set conduct and safety.—
Elizabeth Rosner,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Venezuelan immigrants and political refugees are celebrating the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, despite local protests and legal concerns.—
Ray Padilla,
Louisville Courier Journal,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Hayes suggests expressing appreciation, complimenting the host, and, if appropriate, lightly noting your next engagement.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The film follows poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley as their love deepens, and the couple finds newfound appreciation for the preciousness of life after a terminal illness diagnosis.—
Addie Morfoot,
Variety,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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The attendees—thirty- and forty-somethings who are members of the bank’s Private Wealth Management (PWM) division, which boasts an average account size of over $75 million—gathered to hash out their anxiety and excitement.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
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Barton will have to wait another month to receive his sentence for the six guilty counts the jury returned on charges of sending a grossly offensive electronic communication with intent to cause distress or anxiety to football broadcasters Eni Aluko and Lucy Ward, and TV and radio host Jeremy Vine.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apprehension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehension. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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