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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of apprehensive

Rosanov and Hollander—two charismatic, occasionally chaotic leading men — arrive at the cottage eager but apprehensive. —Chris Dong, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sounded apprehensive about where peace talks stood when speaking to the press on Saturday. —Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 21 Dec. 2025

Forced to leave their home in Shreveport, Louisiana, and her civil rights advocacy behind, Charlotte arrives in Derry apprehensive about the lily-white town and unsettling vibes that seem to blanket everything. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Dec. 2025

Many Gen Zers are apprehensive about what career to choose. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 11 Dec. 2025