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

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 apprehensive Collectively, these small touchpoints can help reassure apprehensive students. Evaluate Your Context Clues Our research also shows that students rely heavily on college websites to gauge the political climate on campus. Alex Nikdel, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 But is the art world, notoriously apprehensive about change, ready for such radical maneuvers? Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2024 Initially slightly apprehensive about filming in Saudi Arabia, .Paak said he was bowled over by the beauty of AlUla, the people and the professionalism of the crews there. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 9 Sep. 2024 Brown initially was apprehensive to speaking his mind, but the candid baller quickly caved. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for apprehensive 

Thesaurus Entries Near apprehensive

Cite this Entry

“Apprehensive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehensive. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on apprehensive

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