Synonyms of apprehensive

apprehensive 1 of 2

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

apprehensiveness

2 of 2

noun

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

• fear
• concern
• anxiety
• worry
• unease
• concernment
• uneasiness
• nervousness
• apprehension
• fearfulness
• uncertainty
• disquietude
• agitation
• disquiet
• solicitude
• perturbation
• anxiousness
• tension
• discomfort
• desperation
• panic
• dread
• nervosity
• doubt
• sweat
• care
• stress
• anguish
• agita
• desperateness
• dismay
• consternation
• distress
• tremor
• disturbance
• jitters
• discomposure
• angst
• alarm
• strain
• jumpiness
• suspense
• upset
• vexation
• misgiving
• torment
• edginess
• presentiment
• franticness
• foreboding
• incertitude
• qualm
• compunction
• distraction
• hand-wringing
• scruple
• cold feet

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unconcern
• ease
• contentment
• peace
• calmness
• content
• easiness
• serenity
• calm
• quietude
• placidity
• tranquility
• peacefulness
• relief
• quiet
• placidness
• comfort
• solace
• consolation
• sereneness
• tranquilness

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

• dread
• anxiety
• worry
• apprehension
• fearfulness
• concern
• uncertainty
• unease
• misgiving
• alarm
• foreboding
• uneasiness
• agitation
• doubt
• suspense
• distress
• perturbation
• mistrust
• disquiet
• solicitude
• wariness
• disquietude
• anxiousness
• disturbance
• pessimism
• funk
• suspiciousness
• scruple
• defeatism
• incertitude
• premonition
• presentiment
• foreknowledge
• presage

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• excitement
• anticipation
• hope
• confidence
• hopefulness
• optimism
• sanguinity

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

Adjective

Wayne Davis, a 69, is a year old security officer from Sacramento who remained apprehensive with his eyes peeled in all directions. — Matthew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Lavoie, who is of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation heritage and grew up on a First Nation reserve in Quebec, was intrigued but a little apprehensive. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026

At that point, Lindsay was still apprehensive about taking new medication, Tufts said. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026

Daunt is apprehensive about what this could mean for the individual bookstores’ management, which has been perfected since his arrival as CEO. — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026