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 next

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 The atmosphere over the show in the UK has been apprehensive, with many in the UK industry skeptical that the series can justify the significant outlay Sky will have put down. —

Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 22 Mar. 2026 Some were more apprehensive than others. —

Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2026 The license is expected to give a massive boost to Venezuela’s oil-dependent economy and help encourage companies that have been apprehensive to invest. —

Regina Garcia Cano, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026 Despite their obvious differences in setting and premise, each one conveys the difficulty of imagining a future amid an apprehensive present. —

Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for apprehensive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehensive

aware

Adjective

The girls were aware they were being viewed and knew the reasons why; they were made more special than any other and the world wanted to experience such a treasure.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
Handled well, these interactions can make brands feel more relatable, culturally aware and genuinely fun to follow.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 20 May 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 21 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of apprehensive

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