1
as in fear
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble
her apprehensiveness about starting college is keeping her awake at night
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dread
suspicion or fear of future harm or misfortune
my apprehensiveness about raw fish disagreeing with me is keeping me from even trying sushi
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehensiveness
Noun
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The spread of antivaccine misinformation in the previous year had caused fear and uncertainty, which kept many families from vaccinating their children against measles.—
Dr. Josh Green,
CNN Money,
5 Apr. 2025 -
By the end of the month, the new moon in Taurus invites you to embrace more intimacy and transformation in your love life, even if that means facing your fears in the process.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Our familiar route turned into an obstacle course of dread, and every step toward the school building sent him deeper into a panicked spiral.—
Elizabeth Austin,
Time,
26 Mar. 2025
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Once the innie enters the room, it is forced to engage in an activity which coincides with things Gemma fears (going to the dentist, airplane turbulence) or dreads (writing thank-you cards).—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Now, in the case of the United States, there’s no concern whatsoever with what anybody thinks on the outside.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
10 Apr. 2025
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That’s a major concern for media as advertisers review budgets.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Recently announced job cuts at Johns Hopkins University, one of Maryland’s largest employers, and tens of thousands of others across the nation, however, are happening with an unsettling speed and efficiency, leaving countless workers in a state of anxiety, uncertainty and despair.—
Alan M. Langlieb,
Baltimore Sun,
31 Mar. 2025
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They are marketed as an alternative for pain relief, anxiety, and sleep disorders.—
Steve Banker,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Inflation, tariff worries drive consumers' outlooks to lowest levels in 12 years What are tariffs?—
Bailey Schulz,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2025
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Uncontrollable feelings of worry, unease, nervousness, and fear characterize anxiety disorders.—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The event itself has become a subject of unease among journalists and others who question the optics of the press mingling with high-profile government officials at a swanky soiree.—
Theresa Braine,
Chicago Tribune,
31 Mar. 2025
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The dismissal is a surprise given the timing, but multiple league sources expected Memphis to make changes this offseason due to growing discontent between Jenkins and the players, unease among his assistants, and differing visions between Jenkins and the front office on how to play.—
Kelly Iko,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In recent months, Cat & Cloud Coffee, based in Santa Cruz, has turned down offers to open new cafes in the city because of the uncertainty generated by Trump’s tariffs, said company owner Charles Jack.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2025
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The Texas worker, who asked not to be named over concern about the uncertainty of the situation, told CBS News the full premium for continuation of health coverage was $1,300 each month for a single person, along with a 2% administrative fee and additional out-of-pocket costs.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Understandably, the team felt a degree of apprehension due to the focus on acquiring new clients in an unfamiliar market, which marked a departure from our traditional operations.—
Lori Huss,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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Shalamar Samuels Shalamar Samuel’s decision to cut her hair was a mix of excitement and apprehension.—
Celeste Polanco,
Essence,
1 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Apprehensiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehensiveness. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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