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 The collection was intended to promote more conscious consumption, delivering timeless garments 100 percent manufactured in Italy. —WWD, 3 Mar. 2025 Francis, 88, remained conscious, Vatican officials said. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2025 The Vatican said Sunday that Francis was conscious and still receiving supplemental oxygen. —Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025 The Vatican said Sunday that Francis was using oxygen, was conscious and apparently experiencing discomfort associated with his trouble breathing. —Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 23 Feb. 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
  • Many homeowners are aware of the electrical box but might not understand what the numerous switches do and might feel intimidated by the idea of working with electricity.
    — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2025
  • While most individuals are obviously aware of cyber attacks and their consequences, consistent preparation, and resilience-building are the keys to long-term success.
    — James Hadley, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of aware
Adjective
  • This condition is what philosopher Charles Mills, speaking of the American context, labeled epistemological ignorance—a deliberate unknowing, an insistence on the myth of white superiority, of white exceptionalism.
    — Christine Winter, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The surprise that followed was more insidious: a slow and deliberate betrayal in court.
    — Dylan Moore, National Review, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of deliberate
Adjective
  • Some bar owners had expressed concerns the program would be mandatory or would be used as a cudgel by the city to force changes to their businesses, but Alldredge stressed the program would be voluntary and would largely consist of things bars and restaurants already do.
    — Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Participation is voluntary, and patients can opt out at any time.
    — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of voluntary
Adjective
  • Whether the timing of the broadcast was intentional or not, Knauf was cautious in his wording about his time working with the Sussexes.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Earning admission to these and other competitive law programs requires intentional strategy and hands-on exploration.
    — Christopher Rim, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of intentional
Adjective
  • The spacecraft then reached its intended orbit about 44 minutes later before establishing communication at 8:17 p.m. with mission controllers on the ground, according to Intuitive Machines.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Everything can still serve its intended purpose though.
    — Tom Mylan, Bon Appétit, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of intended
Adjective
  • Even more than his strong, octave-surfing Ontario accent, his willed congeniality—a mix of natural reserve and a morbid aversion to pretense—spoke to something in my bones.
    — Michelle Orange, Harper's Magazine, 14 Dec. 2023
  • Read: The changing sound of male rage in rock music Underscoring his willed isolation is the fact that Fight Club intentionally seems to take place nowhere.
    — Stephen Kearse, The Atlantic, 15 Oct. 2024
Definition of willed

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Cite this Entry

“Conscious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conscious. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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