Definition of awarenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective aware contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of aware are alive, awake, cognizant, conscious, and sensible. While all these words mean "having knowledge of something," aware implies vigilance in observing or alertness in drawing inferences from what one experiences.

aware of changes in climate

How are the words alive and sensible related as synonyms of aware?

Alive adds to sensible the implication of acute sensitivity to something.

alive to the thrill of danger

When could awake be used to replace aware?

While the synonyms awake and aware are close in meaning, awake implies that one has become alive to something and is on the alert.

a country always awake to the threat of invasion

When might cognizant be a better fit than aware?

While in some cases nearly identical to aware, cognizant implies having special or certain knowledge as from firsthand sources.

not fully cognizant of the facts

When is it sensible to use conscious instead of aware?

In some situations, the words conscious and aware are roughly equivalent. However, conscious implies that one is focusing one's attention on something or is even preoccupied by it.

conscious that my heart was pounding

In what contexts can sensible take the place of aware?

The words sensible and aware are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sensible implies direct or intuitive perceiving especially of intangibles or of emotional states or qualities.

sensible of a teacher's influence

Example 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 aware Soon, he’s wowed by just how much the geranium seems to be aware of. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 6 May 2026 Umpires, more wary of having their calls overturned, and more aware of the new strike zone, have called fewer strikes. Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026 Several organizational sources briefed on the matter, all of whom requested anonymity to discuss a sensitive topic, told The Athletic that the HR department for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment — the Tigers’ parent company — was made aware of a complaint against Alvarez on Monday night. Brittany Ghiroli, New York Times, 6 May 2026 Thanks to product placement, advertisers can enter their products in various ways within the storytelling, sometimes in a creative way and without the audience being aware of it. Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for aware
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aware
Adjective
  • That is all any conscious entity can ever hope to do.
    Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2026
  • There is also more competition than ever in the restaurant space for health-conscious diners and protein-rich snacks and meals.
    Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Agents, anchors and others in the ecosystem are looking outside of the TV glass, envious of TV alumni like Hasan or Megyn Kelly, who found success on the other side, cognizant of the way the wind is blowing.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 May 2026
  • Still, as someone who lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Dunham is cognizant of her body’s limits.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Many of these pieces find Phillips decades removed from her Appalachian childhood, living elsewhere and writing on other subjects but mindful that she’s not finished reflecting on her origins.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Being mindful of your space—and letting service come to you—helps create a smoother experience for everyone.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • Abraham Lincoln was wary of the doctrine, perceiving that any such notion of divine inevitability could be used to justify land grabs and war.
    Sebastian Smee, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Perhaps the rest of the league owners are now wary about dealing with the Hornets.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aware.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aware. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on aware

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster