COGNIZANT Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'cognizant' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cognizant are alive , awake , aware , conscious , and sensible . While all these words mean "having knowledge of something," cognizant implies having special or certain knowledge as from firsthand sources. // not fully cognizant of the facts

Q: How do 'alive' and 'sensible' relate to one another, in the sense of 'cognizant'?

Alive adds to sensible the implication of acute sensitivity to something. // alive to the thrill of danger

Q: When would 'awake' be a good substitute for 'cognizant'?

The words awake and cognizant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, awake implies that one has become alive to something and is on the alert. // a country always awake to the threat of invasion

Q: In what contexts can 'aware' take the place of 'cognizant'?

The meanings of aware and cognizant largely overlap; however, aware implies vigilance in observing or alertness in drawing inferences from what one experiences. // aware of changes in climate

Q: When might 'conscious' be a better fit than 'cognizant'?

Although the words conscious and cognizant have much in common, conscious implies that one is focusing one's attention on something or is even preoccupied by it. // conscious that my heart was pounding

Q: When can 'sensible' be used instead of 'cognizant'?

While in some cases nearly identical to cognizant , sensible implies direct or intuitive perceiving especially of intangibles or of emotional states or qualities. // sensible of a teacher's influence

cognizant

adjective

ˈkäg-nə-zənt

Definition of cognizant next

as in aware

having specified facts or feelings actively impressed on the mind not fully cognizant of the details of the trade agreement

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How does the adjective cognizant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cognizant are alive, awake, aware, conscious, and sensible. While all these words mean "having knowledge of something," cognizant implies having special or certain knowledge as from firsthand sources.

not fully cognizant of the facts

How do alive and sensible relate to one another, in the sense of cognizant?

Alive adds to sensible the implication of acute sensitivity to something.

alive to the thrill of danger

When would awake be a good substitute for cognizant?

The words awake and cognizant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, awake implies that one has become alive to something and is on the alert.

a country always awake to the threat of invasion

In what contexts can aware take the place of cognizant?

The meanings of aware and cognizant largely overlap; however, aware implies vigilance in observing or alertness in drawing inferences from what one experiences.

aware of changes in climate

When might conscious be a better fit than cognizant?

Although the words conscious and cognizant have much in common, conscious implies that one is focusing one's attention on something or is even preoccupied by it.

conscious that my heart was pounding

When can sensible be used instead of cognizant?

While in some cases nearly identical to cognizant, sensible implies direct or intuitive perceiving especially of intangibles or of emotional states or qualities.

sensible of a teacher's influence

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 cognizant But enough to be cognizant of how the stadium can play tricks on fly balls. —

Will Sammon, New York Times, 20 May 2025 Pet owners also should be cognizant of hot asphalt and not let their pets linger on the scalding surfaces. —

Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025 Church leaders have been very cognizant of the separation of church and state, so their sermons don’t outwardly criticize President Donald Trump. —

Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2025 Many Derby goers were cognizant of Churchill Downs’ announcement, especially those who were impressed by this year’s renovations. —

Olympia Sonnier, NBC news, 3 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cognizant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cognizant

aware

Adjective

Constance was aware of others around them observing the scene.

— Jim Shepard, New Yorker, 8 June 2025
Fatal attack The Pentagon is painfully aware of the threat.

— Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 8 June 2025

Definition of aware

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cognizance

cognizant

cognize

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“Cognizant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cognizant. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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Last Updated: 16 Jun 2025 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of cognizant

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