conscious

adjective

ˈkän(t)-shəs How to pronounce conscious (audio)
Definition of consciousnext
1
as in aware
having specified facts or feelings actively impressed on the mind conscious of the fact that my hands were sweating the whole time that I was making my presentation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in deliberate
made, given, or done with full awareness of what one is doing a conscious effort to instill discord in the family

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective conscious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of conscious are alive, awake, aware, cognizant, and sensible. While all these words mean "having knowledge of something," conscious implies that one is focusing one's attention on something or is even preoccupied by it.

conscious that my heart was pounding

How are the words alive and sensible related as synonyms of conscious?

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

alive to the thrill of danger

In what contexts can awake take the place of conscious?

While in some cases nearly identical to conscious, awake implies that one has become alive to something and is on the alert.

a country always awake to the threat of invasion

When might aware be a better fit than conscious?

In some situations, the words aware and conscious are roughly equivalent. However, aware implies vigilance in observing or alertness in drawing inferences from what one experiences.

aware of changes in climate

When can cognizant be used instead of conscious?

The synonyms cognizant and conscious are sometimes interchangeable, but cognizant implies having special or certain knowledge as from firsthand sources.

not fully cognizant of the facts

When is sensible a more appropriate choice than conscious?

The words sensible and conscious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 conscious Leonard shared that parents should be conscious of their children while at the beach. —Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2025 Processing cheap rare earth is a nasty business using dangerous acid precursors that come with inherent risks, which bump up the prices of processing in the environmentally conscious West. —Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 The discovery triggered a kind of synaptic flooding, a wave of memory overwhelming its conscious embankment. —Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 14 July 2025 That’s why parents should make a conscious effort to be mentally present when interacting with their kids. —Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 13 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for conscious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conscious
  1. aware
  2. deliberate
  3. voluntary
  4. intentional
  5. intended
  6. willed
Adjective
  • Young musicians coming out of music schools should be aware of all the other kinds of music, and should be able to play those other types of music, because 95 percent of them will not play in symphony orchestras or as soloists.
    — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2025
  • Authorities aren't aware of any other injured, Police Chief Joe Silva said.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Definition of aware
Adjective
  • Choosing to slow decision-making processes and make deliberate moves can seem radical in a competitive business market, but this investment over time can result in significant changes with lasting effects.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • While clutter implies disorganization or neglect, the messy girl look is a deliberate embrace of imperfection that still feels cozy and intentional.
    — Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025
Definition of deliberate
Adjective
  • The program also focuses on ensuring participation remains voluntary and contingent upon parental consent.
    — William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • On June 9, Alma Pak International LLC announced a voluntary recall of 400 boxes of its organic blueberries due to the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
    — Raven Brunner, People.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of voluntary
Adjective
  • There is intentional distressing around the edges for a more worn-in look, and the visible woodgrain adds a rustic, farmhouse feel.
    — Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Wisconsin law calls for life in prison for a defendant found guilty of first-degree intentional homicide, especially those with criminal enhancements.
    — Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of intentional
Adjective
  • Coupling price transparency reforms with policies that address the abuses by contract pharmacies and ensure that 340B hospitals serve their intended purpose can rein in the 340B program materially improve drug affordability.
    — Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
  • But during the protracted legal wrangling the growth cap stayed in place — and served its intended purpose.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 July 2025
Definition of intended
Adjective
  • Claiborne said the property was eventually willed to Vanderbilt University, which in turn sold it to the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County in 1968.
    — Austin Hornbostel, The Tennessean, 4 July 2025
  • Connor McDavid almost single-handedly willed the Oilers to a comeback win in Game 1 with four points from the end of the second period onward.
    — Eric Stephens, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Definition of willed

Browse Nearby Words

conscionable
conscious
consciously
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Cite this Entry

“Conscious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conscious. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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