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 But the real Quaid is earnestly, acutely, even painfully aware of his privilege. Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025 This study shows that younger people who may not use anabolic steroids, which have been found to be harmful, might still be using other substances to treat their muscle dysmorphia, and the public needs to be more aware, Saltz said. Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025 Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Patrick Schwarzenegger is well aware that his character on HBO dramedy The White Lotus did not come out of the season premiere looking like a nice guy. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025 Steve Downing, the general manager for Telemundo Kansas City, said in an email on Friday that the station was aware that an arrest had been made in connection with Mr. Manzano’s death. Neil Vigdor, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aware
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aware
Adjective
  • The Vatican said Sunday that Francis was using oxygen, was conscious and apparently experiencing discomfort associated with his trouble breathing.
    Elisabetta Povoledo, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025
  • The Vatican said Sunday that Francis was conscious and still receiving supplemental oxygen.
    Nicole Winfield, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The Baldwins are cognizant of the fact that there are others who suffered, too, including Hutchins’s widower, Matthew and their child.
    Eric Andersson, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025
  • Editor’s picks Recording Academy president and CEO Harvey Mason Jr., a Black man himself, has seemed exceedingly cognizant of these criticisms and attempted to keep the organization from resting on its decaying laurels.
    Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • These two, along with many other leaders, understand and are mindful of decision fatigue—the mental drain that erodes cognitive functioning and effectiveness over time.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
  • The dog travel website Paws & Stay recommends ensuring that a dog is comfortable in public settings, bringing necessary supplies like a leash and water, and being mindful of other passengers.
    Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to be wary of unsolicited calls from people claiming to be with the College Board.
    Jan Diaz, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Ever since the end of World War II, a long parade of American presidents saw first the Soviet Union and then, after a brief and illusory interregnum, its successor Russia as a force to be wary of, at the very least.
    Peter Baker, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aware.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aware. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

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