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 Some were apprehensive about living far from their longtime partner in crime. Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025 Many in the village are excited for the apprehensive Spike, as this is a rite of passage, but Jamie is reminded by a woman at the gate on their way out that 14 or 15 is the typical age for this experience. Mark Meszoros, Boston Herald, 19 June 2025 But those who have been around since the beginning might be extra apprehensive until the prize is sealed. Anthony Slater, New York Times, 19 June 2025 And with the Trump administration taking a blunderbuss to anything that remotely resembles DEI, the mood across the entertainment industries is generally apprehensive. Zak Cheney-Rice, Vulture, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for apprehensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehensive
aware
Adjective
  • Be aware of any coyote behaving abnormally or exhibiting unusually bold behavior (e.g., approaching people for food, attacking leashed pets that are with their owners, stalking children, chasing joggers or bikers, etc.) and report these incidents to authorities immediately.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025
  • The president once again claimed without evidence that Biden wasn't aware of what was being signed.
    Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 14 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Apprehensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehensive. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on apprehensive

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