APPREHENSIVE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

apprehensive

adjective

ˌa-pri-ˈhen(t)-siv

Definition of apprehensive next

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

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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 While the basics of gardening remain the same, proper watering, light, fertilizing, and pest control are key; some new vegetable gardeners may feel apprehensive about taking those first steps. —

Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2026 Others remain apprehensive about the ongoing therapies and medications that will continue to change their quality of life, coupled with the anxiety of the cancer returning. —

Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 18 Feb. 2026 Her husband is equally apprehensive but also optimistic. —

Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 15 Feb. 2026 With its apprehensive expression, Cry Cry Horse is like an emotional support animal for what is expected to be a tumultuous Year of the Horse in the world. —

Marissa Martinez, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for apprehensive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehensive

aware

Adjective

The city was aware that rejecting the contract put at least $90 million in grant funding at risk, Councilwoman Sarah Parady said in December.

— Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2026
How the Horns held off the Wolfpack Anyone who has watched the Longhorns are painfully aware of the palpitations and hoop sweats that come with this group.

— Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026