Definition of awarenext

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 Like the Lines family’s lawsuit, Dean’s argues that that the county was well aware of problems with medical and mental health care in its jails, yet county leaders have failed to implement meaningful reforms or hold employees accountable. Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026 Officials said many businesses may not be aware of the change. Austen Erblat, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026 The first lady is aware that there is a long road ahead and is prepared. Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 7 Jan. 2026 Tatiana was herself all too aware of the tragic repetition of history in her death. Meg Walters, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aware
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aware
Adjective
  • Even calling it a magazine is a conscious way of trying to distinguish the work producers are putting months and months of effort into recording and writing from what podcasting has become.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
  • And while an uncertain economy and ever-skyrocketing cost of living are making people more price-conscious and wary, Razavi explained that this also opens up the possibilities for growth as consumers are now more open to other shopping avenues.
    Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • So guests should be appreciative of that and cognizant of their own role in that give-and-take relationship, Jokilehto said.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 25 Dec. 2025
  • But interest in fermented food is growing steadily as people become more cognizant of its far-reaching benefits for the gut.
    Caroline Tien, SELF, 10 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Levin took time to educate him about traffic safety and how to be a more mindful driver, Bushala said.
    Claire Wang, Oc Register, 7 Jan. 2026
  • If large stuck-on food chunks remain, carefully scrape them off with a razor blade, being mindful not to scratch the stovetop.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Hamilton, wary of France’s descent into chaos and its aggressive wars, contended that treaties are contracts with specific regimes, not eternal bonds irrespective of change.
    Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
  • As measles outbreaks flared up across the US last year, causing a record number of cases, Scott Thorpe kept a wary eye on Spartanburg County, South Carolina.
    Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Aware.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aware. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on aware

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