1
as in dread
suspicion or fear of future harm or misfortune
the hikers entered the dark cave with a great deal of apprehension
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arrest
the act of taking into one's control by authority of law
apprehension of the burglar set the neighborhood at ease
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in fear
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble
felt a great deal of apprehension about the trip and about arriving safely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in understanding
the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something
a good apprehension of how computer systems work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of apprehension
Planning the trip, however, filled me with apprehension.
—
Christine Chitnis, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026
During what police describe as an armed robbery, rideshare driver Alex Kaluka rammed his silver 2011 Buick SUV into an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police vehicle to get an officer's attention, leading to the teen's apprehension.
—Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 18 Mar. 2026
There is growing apprehension in Kyiv that the conflict in the Middle East will divert attention, and weapons, from the war that has engulfed Ukraine for the past four years.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Mar. 2026
Ropp understood Scollins’ apprehension.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Christine Chitnis, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026
During what police describe as an armed robbery, rideshare driver Alex Kaluka rammed his silver 2011 Buick SUV into an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police vehicle to get an officer's attention, leading to the teen's apprehension.
—Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 18 Mar. 2026
There is growing apprehension in Kyiv that the conflict in the Middle East will divert attention, and weapons, from the war that has engulfed Ukraine for the past four years.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 15 Mar. 2026
Ropp understood Scollins’ apprehension.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehension
Noun
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But some congregants’ anguish over October 7th was compounded by dread about Israel’s brutal, indiscriminate response.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
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If anything, all the prognostication about it is being led by dread.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Mohamad Faisal, one of Shah Alam's children, previously told Reuters that his father's arrest about a year ago was due to a misunderstanding with police officers.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
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Cervone's arrest came just one week after civics teacher Martin Gatti, 50, was charged with similar offenses and was later fired.—
Mike Darnay,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Rabbi Irwin Kula, the panel’s moderator, asked the participants to describe their biggest fear or nightmare.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Sacramento community advocates are sounding the alarm over fears of deep city budget cuts that could impact public safety.—
Steve Large,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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For the Supreme Court to do so would require it to repudiate the Constitution’s text, the Court’s own precedents, and the enduring understanding of all three branches and of the American people.—
David Cole,
The New York Review of Books,
4 Apr. 2026
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Law enforcement who responded to the scene of the crisis like Jeff Boyes, a SWAT team member and sniper, operated with a similar initial understanding.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Some of Bondi's allies believe that the lack of prosecutions is attributable to Blanche, who has not pushed them too hard amid political concerns and worries about his future after his Justice Department career.—
Sarah N. Lynch,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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The electric carmaker last week reported its first decline in annual profit since 2022, but worries over rising gasoline prices has boosted its business.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Clicking into the title will give you even more information, including a blurb about what parents need to know, a breakdown of potential concerns and positive qualities about the book, and reviews from kids.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Gables leaders have raised concerns during city meetings about the potential impact.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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And on Friday, the cheers before his first at-bat in the top of the first inning were long enough that both plate umpire Chris Segal and Red Sox catcher Carlos Narvaez stepped away from the plate to allow a sellout crowd of 36,233 to show its appreciation.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
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Later, when Shell expressed appreciation, Cipriani pitched Star Serenade, initially over the phone — presuming the executive would, at the least, boost its chance for an inside track at a green light.—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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While 88% of companies report regular AI use, according to McKinsey, adoption may be stalling as a result of employees’ anxiety around the technology displacing them from their jobs.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
29 Mar. 2026
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Noise pollution is a real health issue linked to sleep disorders, elevated blood pressure and anxiety.—
Kim Komando The Kim Komando Show,
FOXNews.com,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Apprehension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehension. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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