Synonym Chooser

How is the word apprehensive different from other adjectives like it?

The words afraid and fearful are common synonyms of apprehensive. While all three words mean "disturbed by fear," apprehensive suggests a state of mind and implies a premonition of evil or danger.

apprehensive of being found out

When is it sensible to use afraid instead of apprehensive?

While in some cases nearly identical to apprehensive, afraid often suggests weakness or cowardice and regularly implies inhibition of action or utterance.

afraid to speak the truth

When would fearful be a good substitute for apprehensive?

The words fearful and apprehensive can be used in similar contexts, but fearful implies often a timorous or worrying temperament.

the child is fearful of loud noises

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 apprehensive Polity Corley encourages apprehensive organizations to think about diversity as their responsibility to their consumers. Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 The songs trying to showcase maturation are equally apprehensive about leaving old formulas behind. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 20 May 2025 Both companies attributed the results to customers’ feeling apprehensive about the economy. Julie Creswell, New York Times, 1 May 2025 But with some of the yellowjackets apprehensive about a return to home and normal life, is their rescue actually imminent? Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for apprehensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehensive
aware
Adjective
  • Having arrived from Mercedes in 2023, a team that had won nine Constructors' Championships, Vowles is aware of the mindset a winning team needs to have.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
  • The federal police document said Bolsonaro was both aware of the scheme and its main beneficiary.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apprehensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehensive. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on apprehensive

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