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 Wickenden says Victor Mature was apprehensive at first. Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 3 Aug. 2025 Shaw said her own son, Steve, has always been apprehensive about flying. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Aug. 2025 Heading into earnings, many on Wall Street remain apprehensive of the stock and are waiting for more proof. Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 29 July 2025 Instead, that first apprehensive meeting planted the seeds of Pride Social South County, one of the few groups in southern Santa Clara County dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community. Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 28 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for apprehensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehensive
aware
Adjective
  • European policymakers were fully aware of the reorganization and job losses at Volkswagen, Luman said, amid broader concerns that falling employment in Germany’s historic car industry could put even more positions at risk.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • More importantly, people became aware of the ecological value and beauty of raptors and turned against killing them.
    Tom Langen, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apprehensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehensive. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on apprehensive

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