1
as in dread
suspicion or fear of future harm or misfortune
the hikers entered the dark cave with a great deal of apprehension
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arrest
the act of taking into one's control by authority of law
apprehension of the burglar set the neighborhood at ease
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3
as in fear
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble
felt a great deal of apprehension about the trip and about arriving safely
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4
as in understanding
the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something
a good apprehension of how computer systems work
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of apprehension
This announcement, made a month ago, quickly stirred apprehension among classic car enthusiasts.
—
David Faris, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024
And so, the colonial government continued to permit the Junkanoo processions despite its apprehension.
—Sasha C. Wells / Made By History, TIME, 26 Dec. 2024
But now, some Republicans are showing apprehension to backing him in January.
—Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 24 Dec. 2024
In some organizations, too much change can create apprehension.
—Jack McCullough, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for apprehension 
David Faris, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024
And so, the colonial government continued to permit the Junkanoo processions despite its apprehension.
—Sasha C. Wells / Made By History, TIME, 26 Dec. 2024
But now, some Republicans are showing apprehension to backing him in January.
—Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 24 Dec. 2024
In some organizations, too much change can create apprehension.
—Jack McCullough, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for apprehension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehension
Noun
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The apocalyptic sense of dread has only been heightened by reports of hydrants running dry and a critical shortage of firefighters.Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2025
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Plagued by visions and an increasing sense of dread, Ellen encounters a force far beyond her control.Robert Lang, Deadline, 3 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Most of those arrests have been for planning or carrying out direct actions, including slow marching - a tactic usually used to block traffic.Issy Ronald, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025
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New bodycam footage shows the surprising behavior of an Ohio teen convicted of intentionally crashing her car into a wall at 100 mph and killing two at the moment of her arrest.KC Baker, People.com, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Over the course of 24 hours, the pair discuss fellow luminaries, navigate existential fears, and reflect on the joys and struggles of being an artist.Radhika Seth, Vogue, 11 Jan. 2025
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Two donors traveling with the program faced a deeper fear, grappling with the reality that their home in the fire zone might not withstand the flames — a fear later confirmed.Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
Noun
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For Tolle, by contrast, individuals should not rearrange their circumstances to find belonging but instead find peace only through a deep understanding of their deepest selves.Dan Berger, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
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Matt is meant to be more of a loveable crank, prone to kids-these-days rants about school accommodations that soon resolve in mutual understanding.Alison Herman, Variety, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Organizational dysfunction, the most crucial worry.Jacob Robinson, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
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Allowing just nine points to the Minnesota Vikings was a tremendous leap forward; the only worry is if the bye week will cool down what might just be the best offense in the league.Fox News Staff, Fox News, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Trump has also expressed opposition to a looming ban on TikTok after earlier having supported a law requiring its Chinese parent company to divest its U.S. operations over national security concerns.Jennifer Jett, NBC News, 17 Jan. 2025
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Where would it be based? Lazarus sought to assuage some of those concerns in the Tuesday morning meeting.Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Understanding the intricate mechanisms of shark olfaction not only deepens our appreciation for these remarkable predators but also opens the door to innovative applications in conservation, marine management, and human-shark coexistence.Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
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In May 2021, Marcus voiced his deep appreciation for Joanna’s dedication to their family on Instagram.Jordana Comiter, People.com, 11 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Then the widespread anxiety spurred by a wave of high-profile robberies and the deadly home-invasion of Jacqueline Avant.Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Jan. 2025
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The situation caused Campbell a lot of anxiety, but became a pivotal shift in her perspective.Kait Hanson, Glamour, 18 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near apprehension
Cite this Entry
“Apprehension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehension. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
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