Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective conscious contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of conscious are alive, awake, aware, cognizant, and sensible. While all these words mean "having knowledge of something," conscious implies that one is focusing one's attention on something or is even preoccupied by it.

conscious that my heart was pounding

How are the words alive and sensible related as synonyms of conscious?

Alive adds to sensible the implication of acute sensitivity to something.

alive to the thrill of danger

In what contexts can awake take the place of conscious?

While in some cases nearly identical to conscious, 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 aware be a better fit than conscious?

In some situations, the words aware and conscious are roughly equivalent. However, aware implies vigilance in observing or alertness in drawing inferences from what one experiences.

aware of changes in climate

When can cognizant be used instead of conscious?

The synonyms cognizant and conscious are sometimes interchangeable, but cognizant implies having special or certain knowledge as from firsthand sources.

not fully cognizant of the facts

When is sensible a more appropriate choice than conscious?

The words sensible and conscious 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

Examples 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 conscious An emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency can reduce long-term operating costs while also appealing to environmentally conscious residents and businesses. Meyer Orbach, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Further, Democrats were more inclined to vote early or by mail last cycle given that liberal voters tended to be more conscious of the pandemic. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 But adults might be a little more health conscious. Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 30 Oct. 2024 While her kids are still young, Woods is conscious of this. Angela Andaloro, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for conscious 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conscious
Adjective
  • That means the company's license plates are very likely to remain vulnerable despite Rodriguez's warning—a fact, Rodriguez says, that transport policymakers and law enforcement should be aware of as digital license plates roll out across the country.
    Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 16 Dec. 2024
  • According to data from Our World in Data, people who are aware of the significant progress humanity has made over the last century are significantly more likely to believe that the future would be better.
    Talia Milgrom-Elcott, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The car’s driver—old enough to be the original owner—made his deliberate way into the restaurant.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 13 Dec. 2024
  • This deliberate approach can ensure that your practice remains effective, accessible and dependable.
    Jeffrey Wessler, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Previously, under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the government attempted to agree a voluntary AI copyright code of practice.
    Ryan Browne, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2024
  • The voluntary recall was announced on Friday, December 13—10 days after VidaSlim's products were added to an FDA warning about toxic yellow oleander.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Under New York state law, second-degree murder is a charge of intentional murder, said Anna G. Cominsky, a professor at the New York Law School and director of its criminal defense clinic.
    Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Transitioning from the office to a fully remote work environment requires thoughtful planning and intentional adjustments.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Repurposing an item does require a bit of creative thinking, so look beyond the intended purpose of a piece.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2024
  • Pam will refocus the DOJ to its intended purpose of fighting Crime, and Making America Safe Again.
    Tara Suter, The Hill, 2 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Read: The changing sound of male rage in rock music Underscoring his willed isolation is the fact that Fight Club intentionally seems to take place nowhere.
    Stephen Kearse, The Atlantic, 15 Oct. 2024
  • And that raucous crowed willed Belgium to a first-quarter spark that included seven points from guard Julie Vanloo.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near conscious

Cite this Entry

“Conscious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conscious. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on conscious

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