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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in fear
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble
her apprehensiveness about starting college is keeping her awake at night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dread
suspicion or fear of future harm or misfortune
my apprehensiveness about raw fish disagreeing with me is keeping me from even trying sushi
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026
The lack of conversations about this issue is partly because some mothers, understandably, often feel apprehensive about confronting friends and family for fear of being perceived negatively for vocalizing their hurt and needs — a common consequence.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 9 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for apprehensive
Adjective
Your 7th House of Coalitions is soothed by the moody Moon’s trine with apprehensive Chiron in your companionable 11th house.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026
The lack of conversations about this issue is partly because some mothers, understandably, often feel apprehensive about confronting friends and family for fear of being perceived negatively for vocalizing their hurt and needs — a common consequence.
—Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 9 Mar. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for apprehensive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehensive
Adjective
-
Her grandmother was aware of the school and had Wairimu referred.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The police opened the investigation into these claims in 2016, and the BBC was made aware in 2017 (though, BBC News has said, then-director-general Tony Hall did not know about the investigation).—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Rabbi Irwin Kula, the panel’s moderator, asked the participants to describe their biggest fear or nightmare.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Sacramento community advocates are sounding the alarm over fears of deep city budget cuts that could impact public safety.—
Steve Large,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But some congregants’ anguish over October 7th was compounded by dread about Israel’s brutal, indiscriminate response.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
If anything, all the prognostication about it is being led by dread.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Clicking into the title will give you even more information, including a blurb about what parents need to know, a breakdown of potential concerns and positive qualities about the book, and reviews from kids.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Gables leaders have raised concerns during city meetings about the potential impact.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
While 88% of companies report regular AI use, according to McKinsey, adoption may be stalling as a result of employees’ anxiety around the technology displacing them from their jobs.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Noise pollution is a real health issue linked to sleep disorders, elevated blood pressure and anxiety.—
Kim Komando The Kim Komando Show,
FOXNews.com,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Some of Bondi's allies believe that the lack of prosecutions is attributable to Blanche, who has not pushed them too hard amid political concerns and worries about his future after his Justice Department career.—
Sarah N. Lynch,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The electric carmaker last week reported its first decline in annual profit since 2022, but worries over rising gasoline prices has boosted its business.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Dallas, the department’s 2-year-old K-9, joined the team in 2025 and was deployed 41 times, resulting in 22 apprehensions.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
31 Mar. 2026
-
That doesn’t mean that Rachel’s apprehension is off the mark, though.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But that same inspiration has sometimes drawn questions — and unease — from potential buyers.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
-
But in the shadows, amid growing unease at the bloodthirsty actions of the realm’s merciless Mad King, dissenters from his inner circle anxiously advance a treasonous plot.—
Ryan Brennan
April 3,
Charlotte Observer,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Apprehensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehensive. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
