Synonyms of apprehensive

apprehensive

adjective

ˌa-pri-ˈhen(t)-siv 

as in aware

having specified facts or feelings actively impressed on the mind

I'm fully apprehensive of the options, I assure you

Synonyms & Similar Words

• aware
• conscious
• cognizant
• mindful
• wary
• regardful
• cautious
• sensible
• ware
• sentient
• careful
• watchful
• alive
• vigilant
• witting
• attentive
• observant
• wide-awake
• heedful
• alert
• safe
• open-eyed
• hyperaware
• hyperconscious

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unaware
• oblivious
• unconscious
• unmindful
• insensible
• unwitting
• careless
• inattentive
• heedless
• incautious
• unwary
• unguarded
• mindless
• unheeding

Synonym Chooser

How is the word apprehensive different from other adjectives like it?

The words afraid and fearful are common synonyms of apprehensive. While all three words mean "disturbed by fear," apprehensive suggests a state of mind and implies a premonition of evil or danger.

apprehensive of being found out

When is it sensible to use afraid instead of apprehensive?

While in some cases nearly identical to apprehensive, afraid often suggests weakness or cowardice and regularly implies inhibition of action or utterance.

afraid to speak the truth

When would fearful be a good substitute for apprehensive?

The words fearful and apprehensive can be used in similar contexts, but fearful implies often a timorous or worrying temperament.

the child is fearful of loud noises

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of apprehensive

This is why Mora is most excited, if apprehensive, about exporting this most Colombian of stories to a global audience once more. —Manuel Betancourt, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024

Last month, Patti LuPone appeared on The View and seemed more than a little apprehensive about seeing the new Broadway production of Sunset Blvd., the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical that LuPone once (and briefly) headed. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024

Well, Paramount Pictures was apprehensive about three first-time directors working together on a movie. —Abraham Josephine Riesman, Vulture, 26 Nov. 2024

Those who spoke to Reuters sounded apprehensive but determined to defend their country. —Fox News, 15 Nov. 2024