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 Free home improvements, no strings attached Although Revitalize Milwaukee’s support is free, some of Milwaukee's senior population are apprehensive and avoid reaching out for fear of being scammed, Roach said. Alyssa N. Salcedo, jsonline.com, 19 Aug. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for apprehensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehensive
aware
Adjective
  • What’s Next UPenn has issued safety advice to students, including not wearing headphones, staying off of phones, and making sure to stay aware of surroundings.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
  • In a rare move, aware of Chapman’s growing comfort in Boston, Breslow worked out an in-season extension for the veteran reliever.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apprehensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehensive. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on apprehensive

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