APPREHENSIVENESSES Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

apprehensive 1 of 2

adjective

ˌa-pri-ˈhen(t)-siv

Definition of apprehensive next

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

apprehensiveness

2 of 2

noun

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

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

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

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

Entelis is also aware that, as the network continues to expand its travel programming, audiences in 2026 are looking for escapism.

— Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2026
In his closing argument, Lanier drew the jury's attention to internal documents showing how top officials at Meta and Google were aware of how its products were causing harm to young people.

— Bobby Allyn, NPR, 25 Mar. 2026