Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective aware contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of aware are alive, awake, cognizant, conscious, and sensible. While all these words mean "having knowledge of something," aware implies vigilance in observing or alertness in drawing inferences from what one experiences.

aware of changes in climate

How are the words alive and sensible related as synonyms of aware?

Alive adds to sensible the implication of acute sensitivity to something.

alive to the thrill of danger

When could awake be used to replace aware?

While the synonyms awake and aware are close in meaning, awake implies that one has become alive to something and is on the alert.

a country always awake to the threat of invasion

When might cognizant be a better fit than aware?

While in some cases nearly identical to aware, cognizant implies having special or certain knowledge as from firsthand sources.

not fully cognizant of the facts

When is it sensible to use conscious instead of aware?

In some situations, the words conscious and aware are roughly equivalent. However, conscious implies that one is focusing one's attention on something or is even preoccupied by it.

conscious that my heart was pounding

In what contexts can sensible take the place of aware?

The words sensible and aware are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sensible implies direct or intuitive perceiving especially of intangibles or of emotional states or qualities.

sensible of a teacher's influence

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 aware In a one-scene cameo, Kyle MacLachlan represents the tough-love alternative as Kate’s exasperated ex-husband, who’s ready to throw in the towel, but agrees to write one last check — well aware his daughter will find some way to waste it. Peter Debruge, Variety, 7 June 2025 Shelby County Schools officials said they were made aware of the allegations in April. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025 Keeping your child safe isn’t about doing everything perfectly, but about being present, aware, and ready to listen—that’s what matters most. Alex Vance, Parents, 6 June 2025 Chieng is pretty clearly aware of who the U.S. President is at any moment, having moved to the States in 2015 to make fun of them after scoring a job as a correspondent on The Daily Show under Trevor Noah. Peter White, Deadline, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for aware
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aware
Adjective
  • Alonso was conscious of this when speaking on Thursday in Spain.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 31 May 2025
  • Plus, the adjustable cinch waist is equally as flattering for hiking trails as navigating the style conscious streets of Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.
    Siobhan Reid, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Pet owners also should be cognizant of hot asphalt and not let their pets linger on the scalding surfaces.
    Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
  • But enough to be cognizant of how the stadium can play tricks on fly balls.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Most of us who are mindful of the sun are likely diligent about our SPF application — and reapplication — on areas like our noses and the tops of our ears.
    Claire Sullivan, Footwear News, 30 May 2025
  • There’s a growing sense the traditional media companies are mindful of the exodus.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The pattern has left Iranians wary that any sign of instability is met with brutal suppression.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2025
  • Does the entertainment industry have a right to be wary of AI at this stage?
    Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 4 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aware.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aware. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on aware

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