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
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 apprehension
State of play: More recently, the Biden administration's border clampdown may be changing that, as evidenced by falling apprehensions of those trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border.
—
Courtenay Brown, Axios, 30 Sep. 2024
ByteDance’s uncertain future in the U.S. appears to mirror China’s apprehension.
—Samuel Burke, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024
They were also charged with burglary, unlawful possession of a weapon, hindering apprehension and obstruction of justice, among other charges, the office said.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2024
Growing our education and earnings capacity may also be key to reducing apprehension around investing.
—Danielle Seurkamp, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for apprehension 
Courtenay Brown, Axios, 30 Sep. 2024
ByteDance’s uncertain future in the U.S. appears to mirror China’s apprehension.
—Samuel Burke, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024
They were also charged with burglary, unlawful possession of a weapon, hindering apprehension and obstruction of justice, among other charges, the office said.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2024
Growing our education and earnings capacity may also be key to reducing apprehension around investing.
—Danielle Seurkamp, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for apprehension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehension
Noun
-
Mondays used to fill many of us with dread at the thought of returning to a rigid office environment.Steve Osler, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
-
New developments in generative AI have sparked existential dread in many film professionals, who fear that their jobs could someday be rendered obsolete.Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
And the latest arrest comes just over a month after a Chinese woman in the eastern city of Leipzig was detained on suspicion of foreign agent activities and passing on information regarding arms deliveries.Carlo Angerer, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
-
On his official campaign Facebook page, Schenke posted a statement addressing the arrest.Noe Padilla, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
Meanwhile, fears are growing that pressure to address the spiraling humanitarian crisis in Gaza will fade as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office.Chantal Da Silva, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
-
The shame and fear from that policy linger on, even generations later.Josh Becker, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
Don’t let negativity or lack of understanding stand in your way.Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
-
The team used the same strontium isotopes that were used to date the DNA samples to get a better understanding of the diversity and origins of Pompeii’s residents.Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
Professor Ned Foley, the director of the election-law program at Ohio State University, told me that his biggest worry this year was a new deadline of December 16th.The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
-
Election seasons often evoke a mix of emotions, ranging from hope for the future to intense worry over what may come.Luciana Paulise, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
The company has extended its liquidation date to December 15, 2024, and management has raised concerns about the company's ability to continue as a going concern due to insufficient working capital and mandatory liquidation.Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
-
However, District 9 Councilmember Pam Foley, who represents the area where the hospital is located, declined to support the deferral request and echoed the concerns over how delays could negatively impact the community.Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
Cannabis can deepen your appreciation for the universe’s beauty, making this a peaceful way to end a day of fall adventures The Fresh Toast is a daily lifestyle platform with a side of cannabis.Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
-
Foreign currency gains were $14.5 million for the quarter, compared to $4.9 million in the previous year, driven by appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar.Quartz Bot, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
Psychiatric problems — marked anxiety or panic attacks progressing to temporary psychosis and even schizophrenia-like psychotic illness — are presenting more frequently in emergency rooms.Dr. Jerrold B. Leikin, The Mercury News, 12 Nov. 2024
-
Climate Denial as a Defense Mechanism Much like a terror management lab experiment – or the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic– natural disasters like hurricanes Helene and Milton trigger death anxiety.Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near apprehension
Cite this Entry
“Apprehension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehension. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share