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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of apprehensive

Investors had become a bit apprehensive at softer attendance this year from the two biggest players. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 31 Oct. 2024

Last week, an apprehensive citizen set out in Strong’s footsteps. —Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2024

Thirty-one percent of respondents are apprehensive about disciplining their children in public for fear of tantrums, a concern that Janning suggested may be amplified by the growing concern of negative judgment on social media. —Julianna Bragg, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024

Getting pummeled again and again by hurricanes has left many in Florida's Taylor County tired, alarmed and apprehensive. —Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 24 Sep. 2024