1
as in fear
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble
her apprehensiveness about starting college is keeping her awake at night
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dread
suspicion or fear of future harm or misfortune
my apprehensiveness about raw fish disagreeing with me is keeping me from even trying sushi
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehensiveness
Noun
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Renter Mandy Feng, who prefers to use a pseudonym for fear of being seen criticizing the authorities, said the stimulus the government is offering has failed to offset people’s anxiety over an uncertain economic outlook.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026 -
China's exports gathered pace in April as factories scrambled to meet surging overseas demand from foreign buyers stockpiling goods as the Iran fanned fears of higher input costs.—
Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
Noun
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Every May, millions of high school students sit for Advanced Placement exams with a mixture of dread and excitement, with many believing that their scores could measurably shift the needle in their college prospects.—
Christopher Rim,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
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Up until shooting began, Seydoux was in a state of dread.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
18 May 2026
Noun
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The league could soon be split into two conferences, or multiple divisions, with a schedule designed to maximize rivalries and limit any travel concerns that might come with a larger footprint.—
Hailey Salvian,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
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The elevator is expected to be out of service until next winter while it is being replaced, and accessibility advocates said the move raises concerns about transit equity.—
Megan De Mar,
CBS News,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Renter Mandy Feng, who prefers to use a pseudonym for fear of being seen criticizing the authorities, said the stimulus the government is offering has failed to offset people’s anxiety over an uncertain economic outlook.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026
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As anyone who deals with anxiety knows, one of its chief triggers is uncertainty.—
Tom Dotan,
Vanity Fair,
17 May 2026
Noun
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Another reasonable worry is energy.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
14 May 2026
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With one less worry – a safe home – Denise can now imagine a future for her family.—
Jayme Fraser,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Following the initial apprehensions, the San Diego Sector Tunnel Team responded to clear the drainage system and confirm no other individuals remained inside.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 May 2026
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All three were taken to the Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center after apprehension.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Noun
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Though the vote still failed largely along party lines, Murkowski's flip was a warning sign for the White House about the unease of some Republicans on Capitol Hill as the conflict drags on.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
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Many Asian countries now count China as their largest trading partner, a reality that creates both opportunity and unease.—
Yu Jie,
Time,
13 May 2026
Noun
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All of this was aggravated by a raft of economic uncertainties, from weak domestic consumption to the threat of a historic trade war with the US, leaving the keenest buyers, like Cai, to think twice before entering the market.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026
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Second, in terms of transportation methods, growing uncertainty around air travel has led European travelers to consider alternatives such as rail.—
,
CNBC,
18 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Apprehensiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehensiveness. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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