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 There are multiple ways to protect yourself from infection while traveling and flying, the doctor said, including being aware of your surroundings and wearing a mask in areas where cases have been detected. Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 14 Mar. 2025 Just be aware that this is a very dynamic situation right now. Megan Farokhmanesh, WIRED, 14 Mar. 2025 Someone who, yes, is aware that there are privacy violations and data breaches, but still has an iPhone. Erin Douglass, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Mar. 2025 Man threatened, attacked latter carrier over several months The Justice Department became aware of Franklin's actions toward the carrier after the United States Postal Inspection Service received a complaint about Franklin possibly committing threats and obstruction against the employee. Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aware
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aware
Adjective
  • The average airline passenger likely isn’t very conscious of an airline’s design, although many could probably pick out Spirit Airlines’ bright yellow planes, or the animal tails of Frontier, or the globe of United, or American’s eagle.
    Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Your subconscious mind processes thousands of data points your conscious mind doesn't register.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • People with businesses along the French Broad River were always cognizant of the hazards posed by the ancient waterway, but the storm assaulted the neighborhood so forcefully that 12 Bones owners Angela Koh and Bryan King found mud in their attic.
    Hanna Raskin, Southern Living, 20 Mar. 2025
  • According to a report by AARP, one of his handlers coached the barely cognizant Marvel icon through the task.
    Marc Berman, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Below, the members of Rolling Stone Culture Council share their perspectives on technology’s evolving role in leadership, as well as key considerations leaders should be mindful of in the age of AI.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Be mindful of unconsciously putting someone on a pedestal or getting lost in a fantasy — ground yourself in reality.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Be wary of positions that don’t require interviews or specific qualifications.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • There is, however, one aspect of DOGE that the American people should be wary of that few are talking about: its impassioned deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) to take the reins of the federal government.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aware.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aware. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on aware

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