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

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

Staff morale improves, waiting rooms feel friendlier, and even the most apprehensive new patients are easier to engage. —Henry I. Miller, STAT, 28 Jan. 2026

Oklahoma providers and patients are apprehensive about WISeR's payment model and how the program could impact access to care for the nation’s growing aging population. —Jillian Taylor, StateImpact, 16 Jan. 2026

Slocum said that so far, voters of all political stripes have been apprehensive about these facilities. —Emily L Mahoney, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026