APPREHENSIVE Synonyms: 38 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

apprehensive

adjective

ˌa-pri-ˈhen(t)-siv

Definition of apprehensive next

as in aware

having specified facts or feelings actively impressed on the mind I'm fully apprehensive of the options, I assure you

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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

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Recent Examples of apprehensive But Kilpatrick noted that the study could yield a number of outcomes and cautioned that those who are apprehensive about incorporating to wait for the data. —

Raisa Habersham, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025 Image Image Many Syrian refugees are still apprehensive about the nature of the conversations that have begun so soon after Syria’s civil war ended. —

Melissa Eddy, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024 Watch Jelly Roll tattoo an apprehensive Prince Harry in new skit for the 2025 Invictus Games Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. —

Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 20 Nov. 2024 This is why Mora is most excited, if apprehensive, about exporting this most Colombian of stories to a global audience once more. —

Manuel Betancourt, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for apprehensive