Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective conscious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of conscious are alive, awake, aware, cognizant, and sensible. While all these words mean "having knowledge of something," conscious implies that one is focusing one's attention on something or is even preoccupied by it.

conscious that my heart was pounding

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

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

alive to the thrill of danger

In what contexts can awake take the place of conscious?

While in some cases nearly identical to conscious, 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 aware be a better fit than conscious?

In some situations, the words aware and conscious are roughly equivalent. However, aware implies vigilance in observing or alertness in drawing inferences from what one experiences.

aware of changes in climate

When can cognizant be used instead of conscious?

The synonyms cognizant and conscious are sometimes interchangeable, but cognizant implies having special or certain knowledge as from firsthand sources.

not fully cognizant of the facts

When is sensible a more appropriate choice than conscious?

The words sensible and conscious 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 conscious The award-winning production company’s mission is dedicated to socially conscious storytelling. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025 Nilit’s first Sensil brand, dedicated to modern, conscious luxury, was previewed during Première Vision Paris. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 25 Sep. 2025 There needs to be a conscious shift towards this type of curriculum across institutions of higher learning. Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025 All of this happens in an instant, often without conscious awareness. Juli Fraga, Time, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for conscious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conscious
Adjective
  • What’s Next UPenn has issued safety advice to students, including not wearing headphones, staying off of phones, and making sure to stay aware of surroundings.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
  • In a rare move, aware of Chapman’s growing comfort in Boston, Breslow worked out an in-season extension for the veteran reliever.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, faced with deliberate racial gerrymandering in other states and unchecked executive overreach at home, California must respond with equal determination.
    Trena Turner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Singer-songwriter Baby Rose stepped into a suite of Nina Simone songs, her voice—smoky, deliberate—pouring into the choreography.
    Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • What to Know Several companies have issued voluntary recalls of shrimp products suspected of possible Cs-137 contamination.
    Matt Cannon, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • What’s desperately needed, Sisti said, are comprehensive investments in mental health — Housing First programs, funding to build up a mental health care workforce, and an easily accessible and coordinated system of voluntary treatment that prevents people from deteriorating on the streets.
    Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike traditional western spas that tend to be more individualized, Jjimjibangs are a space where friends and family come together for intentional wellness.
    Essence, Essence, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Open layouts, chef’s kitchens with top-tier appliances, wine cellars, and thoughtful detailing make every space feel intentional yet effortless.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Its intended purpose is to help develop the nation's communications infrastructure and protect consumers’ equal access by promoting competition among communication companies.
    Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Hence, the propeller thrust vectors pointed opposite the intended rotation—the stiffer carbon-fibre frame and later PID retuning fixed much of that control coupling.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Parker will play Mary Washington, George’s strong willed mother, while Rodgers will play Sally Cary, the charming beauty of the Virginia gentry who first sees his potential.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Claiborne said the property was eventually willed to Vanderbilt University, which in turn sold it to the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County in 1968.
    Austin Hornbostel, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Conscious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conscious. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

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