APPREHENSIVE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

apprehensive

adjective

ˌa-pri-ˈhen(t)-siv

Definition of apprehensive

as in aware

having specified facts or feelings actively impressed on the mind I'm fully apprehensive of the options, I assure you

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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

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 apprehensive 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 See All Example Sentences for apprehensive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehensive

aware

Adjective

According to Oracle's customer communications, the company became aware of the incident around February 20, 2025.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
While Netanyahu has sought to project confidence, Trump is well aware of the prime minister’s difficult political position.

— Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of aware

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apprehensions

apprehensive

apprehensively

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“Apprehensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehensive. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of apprehensive

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