1
as in dread
suspicion or fear of future harm or misfortune
the hikers entered the dark cave with a great deal of apprehension
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arrest
the act of taking into one's control by authority of law
apprehension of the burglar set the neighborhood at ease
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in fear
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble
felt a great deal of apprehension about the trip and about arriving safely
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in understanding
the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something
a good apprehension of how computer systems work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of apprehension
Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested almost 1,000 undocumented immigrants on Sunday, with apprehensions reported across the United States.
—
Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
Rogers police arrested three of Zenon-Reyes’ family members — his parents, Daniel Zenon-Chavez and Rosa Reyes-Zendejas; and his brother, Giovanny Zenon — in 2022 in connection with hindering apprehension.
—Tracy Neal, arkansasonline.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Related article German economy, Europe’s largest, shrinks for second straight year
But the involvement of Musk — the world’s richest man and the owner of the social media platform X — has also been met with apprehension among government leaders in Europe.
—Mitchell McCluskey, CNN, 25 Jan. 2025
The Justice Department urged the court to step in, arguing state and local laws in Illinois and Chicago prohibit the sharing of certain information with federal authorities and make apprehension of undocumented migrants in those jurisdictions more difficult.
—Robert Legare, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025
Rogers police arrested three of Zenon-Reyes’ family members — his parents, Daniel Zenon-Chavez and Rosa Reyes-Zendejas; and his brother, Giovanny Zenon — in 2022 in connection with hindering apprehension.
—Tracy Neal, arkansasonline.com, 27 Jan. 2025
Related article German economy, Europe’s largest, shrinks for second straight year
But the involvement of Musk — the world’s richest man and the owner of the social media platform X — has also been met with apprehension among government leaders in Europe.
—Mitchell McCluskey, CNN, 25 Jan. 2025
The Justice Department urged the court to step in, arguing state and local laws in Illinois and Chicago prohibit the sharing of certain information with federal authorities and make apprehension of undocumented migrants in those jurisdictions more difficult.
—Robert Legare, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehension
Noun
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Filming their every outspoken thought and conversation whether in the newsroom, at home, on the street or in cars driving around frigid Moscow, the director channels the growing sense of dread as the government crackdown accelerates and the war nears.—
Jordan Mintzer,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Feb. 2025
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Read More: Scientists Debate Why Childbirth is So Brutal Epidural Risks and Research Unfortunately, myths and out-of-date information continue to inspire fear and dread of the procedure.—
Stephen C. George,
Discover Magazine,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
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All three refused to provide identification or sign arrest paperwork, and were identified only after their pictures were shown to an FBI agent, police said.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA TODAY,
20 Feb. 2025
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Ruiz also had several active arrest warrants and an arrest warrant out of Newtown, police said.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
19 Feb. 2025
Noun
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People often dream of taking that leap, but many are hampered by the fears of what might be.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
15 Feb. 2025
-
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) used Kennedy’s confirmation as the latest example of Republicans secretly opposing Trump’s nominees but bending to his will out of fear.—
Ramsey Touchberry,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
15 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
While Gibson's numbers in recent seasons don’t jump off the page in a positive way, they should be viewed with the understanding that he’s played behind some horrific defensive teams.—
Chris Johnston,
The Athletic,
25 Feb. 2025
-
Two people can go into a room, have a conversation and emerge with a completely different understanding of what took place inside that room.—
Jackie Strause,
The Hollywood Reporter,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Another major worry for those who’ve been able to live in their homes is all the trash.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Feb. 2025
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What the public worries about is clarity from their politicians.—
Carlton Reid,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
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But investigators have since sought to quell those concerns.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA TODAY,
22 Feb. 2025
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Well, this is actually a very serious concern for peace in the world, certainly for Europe and certainly for a country like Latvia.—
Adam Bearne,
NPR,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
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On February 14, the Adams County SPCA based in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, shared a heartfelt statement on Facebook, expressing their deep appreciation for the community's incredible generosity.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
17 Feb. 2025
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From museums and famous artwork to cozy restaurants and incredible nature, you’re bound to leave with a newfound appreciation for this city and the people who call it home.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
16 Feb. 2025
Noun
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While some financial hiccups are normal in early adulthood, ongoing instability could signal deeper struggles with budgeting, impulsivity or even financial anxiety.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
23 Feb. 2025
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Merz vowed to bring stronger leadership in Europe at a moment when Trump had sowed anxiety on the continent by scrambling traditional alliances and embracing Russia.—
Emmett Lindner,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Apprehension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehension. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.
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