Synonyms of apprehensive

apprehensive

adjective

ˌa-pri-ˈhen(t)-siv 

as in aware

having specified facts or feelings actively impressed on the mind

I'm fully apprehensive of the options, I assure you

Synonyms & Similar Words

• aware
• conscious
• cognizant
• mindful
• wary
• regardful
• cautious
• sensible
• ware
• sentient
• careful
• watchful
• alive
• vigilant
• witting
• attentive
• observant
• wide-awake
• heedful
• alert
• safe
• open-eyed
• hyperaware
• hyperconscious

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unaware
• oblivious
• unconscious
• unmindful
• insensible
• unwitting
• careless
• inattentive
• heedless
• incautious
• unwary
• unguarded
• mindless
• unheeding

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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of apprehensive

Initially slightly apprehensive about filming in Saudi Arabia, .Paak said he was bowled over by the beauty of AlUla, the people and the professionalism of the crews there. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2024

Brown initially was apprehensive to speaking his mind, but the candid baller quickly caved. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 27 Sep. 2024

David was initially apprehensive about endorsing Table Mountain Casino, but Derek, who is a spokesman for MGM Gaming and played in Las Vegas from 2020 to 2022, gave it a thumbs up because the casino has roots in the community and supports Fresno State and Valley Children’s Healthcare. —Jeff Fedotin, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Albeit apprehensive and fearful that the Black Girls Tennis Club would be whitewashed, the inaugural cohort of participants developed a close bond. —Essence, 17 Oct. 2024