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
But the Administration has been more resistant to requiring judicial warrants for apprehensions or a ban on ICE agents wearing masks.
—
Nik Popli, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
Paulino was charged with third-degree hindering apprehension and jailed in New York pending extradition to New Jersey.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2026
In a statement, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin said that Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not target or arrest Liam Conejo Ramos, and that his mother refused to take him after his father’s apprehension.
—Jack Dura, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026
But distaste was evident in their pained grins, and their eyes betrayed fresh apprehension of me.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Nik Popli, Time, 3 Feb. 2026
Paulino was charged with third-degree hindering apprehension and jailed in New York pending extradition to New Jersey.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2026
In a statement, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin said that Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not target or arrest Liam Conejo Ramos, and that his mother refused to take him after his father’s apprehension.
—Jack Dura, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026
But distaste was evident in their pained grins, and their eyes betrayed fresh apprehension of me.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehension
Noun
-
The filmmaker leans pop-comic rather than petrifying in his final draft, opting for earnestness that smothers atmospheric dread.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
6 Feb. 2026
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In its worst forms, paranoia is a misapplication of the tools of attention, devotion, and care, scuttled by dread, the oppression of the unknown, and a lack of support.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Jose Hidalgo testified after his arrest.—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Feb. 2026
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Information that leads to an arrest could be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward, according to State Police.—
Mike Darnay,
CBS News,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The killings of Good and Pretti sparked further fear and backlash.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Twelve years after an NFL game was first shown on television in a period of fear of war and triumph in war, the championship game itself was broadcast across the country for the first time.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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That illusion of understanding is what experts say deserves more scrutiny.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Feb. 2026
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That discovery was crucial in giving researchers an understanding of less-visible matter in the cosmos, known now as dark matter and dark energy.—
Bob Goldsborough,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The social media giant's guidance offset worries about its sky-high spending on artificial intelligence.—
,
CNBC,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Keogh said that access is a security worry because people in the indictment include citizens of communist China, an American rival.—
Steve Patterson,
Florida Times-Union,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Melissa Michelson, a political science professor at Menlo College, said the donor list signals concern among wealthy Californians about potential tax increases.—
Grace Hase,
Mercury News,
12 Feb. 2026
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These activities, conducted outside normal flight paths near El Paso International Airport, caused FAA concern about possible interference with civilian flights.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
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After the skills challenge Tuesday night, the three IceHogs made sure to sign autographs and offer their appreciation to their fans.—
Kalen Lumpkins,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
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Perhaps this appreciation stems from my early days in the seminary.—
Chick Pritchard,
Hartford Courant,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Our cousins just over the border in Wisconsin kept up a steady stream of taunts, trash-talking the Bears and causing us all a lot of anxiety as the minutes ticked by.—
Erendira Rendon,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Feb. 2026
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Experts say exercise during pregnancy and after birth can help lower anxiety, improve sleep, and boost your mood.—
Hannah Silverman,
Parents,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Apprehension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehension. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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