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 Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are both apprehensive about using artificial intelligence to make music. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2026 Some like demoticusername were worried and even apprehensive to come to KC in the wake of shootings and England’s team equipment being stolen, but said that everything went fine. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026 Even with promises of lump sums for relocating, many were apprehensive about the upheaval. — Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026 Back at the dilapidated family home, Edgar grows even surlier, lashing into gentle-natured Joe for being an under-achiever compared to his brother and causing Thya to become apprehensive about Ed’s proximity to sharp objects. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for apprehensive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehensive

aware

Adjective

On the day of the fire, Farinacci was aware Spokane County was under a red flag warning and conditions were ideal to start a fire, according to Drapeau.

— Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
Asked about any projects with varying zones in a low-density residential area, Smith said city community development staff were not aware of another similar example.

— Rose Evans August 9, Idaho Statesman, 9 Aug. 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 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of apprehensive

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