Synonyms of apprehensive

apprehensive

adjective

ˌa-pri-ˈhen(t)-siv 

as in aware

having specified facts or feelings actively impressed on the mind

I'm fully apprehensive of the options, I assure you

Synonyms & Similar Words

• aware
• conscious
• cognizant
• mindful
• wary
• regardful
• cautious
• sensible
• ware
• sentient
• careful
• watchful
• alive
• vigilant
• witting
• attentive
• observant
• wide-awake
• heedful
• alert
• safe
• open-eyed
• hyperaware
• hyperconscious

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unaware
• oblivious
• unconscious
• unmindful
• insensible
• unwitting
• careless
• inattentive
• heedless
• incautious
• unwary
• unguarded
• mindless
• unheeding

Synonym Chooser

How is the word apprehensive different from other adjectives like it?

The words afraid and fearful are common synonyms of apprehensive. While all three words mean "disturbed by fear," apprehensive suggests a state of mind and implies a premonition of evil or danger.

apprehensive of being found out

When is it sensible to use afraid instead of apprehensive?

While in some cases nearly identical to apprehensive, afraid often suggests weakness or cowardice and regularly implies inhibition of action or utterance.

afraid to speak the truth

When would fearful be a good substitute for apprehensive?

The words fearful and apprehensive can be used in similar contexts, but fearful implies often a timorous or worrying temperament.

the child is fearful of loud noises

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of apprehensive

Amazon’s analysts on Wall Street, meanwhile, are apprehensive about the company’s entrance into the market. —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2025

Given the franchise’s track record when drafting in the upper reaches of the lottery, save for the most recent examples of Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball, Hornets fans are a tad apprehensive and skeptical. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2025

Once tense and apprehensive, Mateo is later shown basking in the sun and running along the sand with other dogs in the care of his rescuer. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025

Ernst & Young found that 71% of U.S. employees are apprehensive about AI, with 48% expressing more concern now than a year ago and 41% believing that AI is evolving too quickly. —Ryan Farsai, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025