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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of apprehension
In the three weeks before the inauguration, there was a daily average of more than 2,000 apprehensions, which fell to a daily average of 786 migrant apprehensions after the inauguration.
—
Luke Barr, ABC News, 18 Feb. 2025
Flashback: There was a similar drop in apprehensions at the start of Trump's first term in 2017, but apprehensions increased again in 2018 and 2019, the Times noted.
—Jeremy Duda, Axios, 18 Feb. 2025
Last week, the new Border Patrol chief said that apprehensions in one seven-day period were down by 91 percent from the same time a year ago.
—Jack Healy, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
While some initial apprehension is understandable, history shows that technological revolutions have consistently improved workers’ quality of life.
—Lucian Boldea, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Luke Barr, ABC News, 18 Feb. 2025
Flashback: There was a similar drop in apprehensions at the start of Trump's first term in 2017, but apprehensions increased again in 2018 and 2019, the Times noted.
—Jeremy Duda, Axios, 18 Feb. 2025
Last week, the new Border Patrol chief said that apprehensions in one seven-day period were down by 91 percent from the same time a year ago.
—Jack Healy, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
While some initial apprehension is understandable, history shows that technological revolutions have consistently improved workers’ quality of life.
—Lucian Boldea, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehension
Noun
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Filming their every outspoken thought and conversation whether in the newsroom, at home, on the street or in cars driving around frigid Moscow, the director channels the growing sense of dread as the government crackdown accelerates and the war nears.—
Jordan Mintzer,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Feb. 2025
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Read More: Scientists Debate Why Childbirth is So Brutal Epidural Risks and Research Unfortunately, myths and out-of-date information continue to inspire fear and dread of the procedure.—
Stephen C. George,
Discover Magazine,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
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President Donald Trump claimed Saturday that arrests along the United States' border with Mexico hit a record low of just over 8,300 in February, but official data is yet to be released.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
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The Department of Justice has said the pipe bomber case remains unsolved and there is a $500,000 reward for information leading to the perpetrator's arrest and conviction.—
Nick McMillan,
NPR,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Had fear of exposure or rejection kept you from fully stepping into leadership or creative risk?—
Colin Bedell,
Them,
28 Feb. 2025
-
According to polling by the Bipartisan Policy Center, nearly one in four mothers have considered leaving their jobs due to a lack of accommodations or fear of discrimination during pregnancy.—
G Kirilloff,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Importantly, don’t settle for surface-level understandings of what these mean to you.—
Michael B. Horn,
Forbes,
9 Mar. 2025
-
Lilian laughed, but Dr. Fenton remained stern, only nodding at Lilian’s understanding.—
Yiyun Li,
The New Yorker,
9 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Another major worry for those who’ve been able to live in their homes is all the trash.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Feb. 2025
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That’s all well and good, but this latest game was as good a sign as any that those worries might not age well.—
Sam Amick,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Lawmakers, including Democrats and some Republicans, have voiced concerns, particularly over the potential loss of successful USAID programs that have helped combat Ebola and provided life-saving HIV/AIDS treatment in Africa.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
5 Mar. 2025
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Despite getting the surgery, Cassidy acknowledges that her BRCA status presents ongoing concerns about ovarian cancer.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The ability to convey gratitude and appreciation in just a few words can resonate — proving that brevity can be just as powerful as eloquence.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
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That means handing out praise liberally and finding ways to show your appreciation for them and make their day a little brighter.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In the film, Shear stars as Sam, a once-promising law student whose anxiety has slowly chipped away at his confidence in all areas of his life.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
7 Mar. 2025
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One possibility is anxiety, which, according to Kaiser, feeds on avoidance.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apprehension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehension. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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