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 And Then Everything Turned Itself Inside Out follows Lázaro, who aware that birthmarks can reveal past lives, must decide whether to uncover the origin of the mark on the back of his neck. Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2026 Instead, the prosecution now argues that Kim was fully aware of the plot, was an active participant, and aided and abetted the killers. Sean Emery, Oc Register, 4 Mar. 2026 But it was spoken about with his social worker and his psychiatrist, so everyone was aware. Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2026 Video shows moment Clinton learns of photo leak The deposition video shows the moment Clinton becomes aware of the first leak of a photo of her from Bobert. James Powel, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aware
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aware
Adjective
  • Ellis made efforts to bring Jack Wilshere back into the academy, wanting that Arsenal connection embedded into the coaching leadership and conscious of the need to reintroduce a winning culture to the academy.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Police said the man was alert, conscious, and breathing when officers arrived.
    Christopher Harris, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • When mixing eras, Lagrange is cognizant of scale.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The president’s political superpower is his ability to inspire almost-total fealty from his fellow Republicans, but some inside the West Wing are cognizant that Iran adds to a number of fractures that have appeared over the past few months, including tensions over the Epstein files.
    Toluse Olorunnipa, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Disrespecting Cultural Norms When visiting ports of call, be mindful of local customs and etiquette.
    Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
  • With the conditions as dry as they are expected to be on Friday, no prescribed fires will be burned in Cook County, and residents are being urged to be mindful of fire danger near forest preserves.
    Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The moody Moon and wary Chiron trine across your talkative 3rd house and your convivial 11th house, guiding your explanations of complex issues.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 1 Mar. 2026
  • Now, Iranians are likely to be wary about taking to the streets again because the Revolutionary Guard has demonstrated its ruthlessness, said Kamran Matin, an expert on Iran at the University of Sussex in southern England.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 28 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aware.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aware. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on aware

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster