1
as in fear
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble
her apprehensiveness about starting college is keeping her awake at night
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dread
suspicion or fear of future harm or misfortune
my apprehensiveness about raw fish disagreeing with me is keeping me from even trying sushi
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehensiveness
Noun
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This fear is a type of anxiety disorder most common in people between the ages of 17 and 34.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Feb. 2025 -
According to polling by the Bipartisan Policy Center, nearly one in four mothers have considered leaving their jobs due to a lack of accommodations or fear of discrimination during pregnancy.—
G Kirilloff,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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Read More: Scientists Debate Why Childbirth is So Brutal Epidural Risks and Research Unfortunately, myths and out-of-date information continue to inspire fear and dread of the procedure.—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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But investigators have since sought to quell those concerns.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA TODAY,
22 Feb. 2025
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Investors sold off shares of some popular companies following a weak forecast from retail giant Walmart, which raised concerns about the economic outlook.—
Ganesh Rao,
CNBC,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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What the public worries about is clarity from their politicians.—
Carlton Reid,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
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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
Noun
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Despite scoring four goals in 11 first-half minutes, there was a sense of unease around St James’ Park in the second half before Newcastle United finally saw out victory against Nottingham Forest.—
Chris Waugh,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
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Existential unease permeated the festival program, though the Forum — the section dedicated to more experimental works — conjured this mood at the most forceful, and visually transportive, register.—
Beatrice Loayza,
New York Times,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Hamas accused Israel of violating the truce with the delay, casting some uncertainty over the precarious ceasefire deal, and said talks on a second phase would not be possible until they are freed.—
Eugenia Yosef,
CNN,
26 Feb. 2025
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This comes at a time of extreme uncertainty for the agency.—
Walter Pavlo,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
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While some initial apprehension is understandable, history shows that technological revolutions have consistently improved workers’ quality of life.—
Lucian Boldea,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
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And yet China’s leadership remains conflicted about Russia, fearing entanglement in Putin’s radical anti-Western schemes and eyeing with apprehension the prospect of a cold war that China neither wants nor knows how to fight.—
Sergey Radchenko,
Foreign Affairs,
18 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Apprehensiveness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehensiveness. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.
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