Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective aware contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of aware are alive, awake, cognizant, conscious, and sensible. While all these words mean "having knowledge of something," aware implies vigilance in observing or alertness in drawing inferences from what one experiences.

aware of changes in climate

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

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

alive to the thrill of danger

When could awake be used to replace aware?

While the synonyms awake and aware are close in meaning, 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 cognizant be a better fit than aware?

While in some cases nearly identical to aware, cognizant implies having special or certain knowledge as from firsthand sources.

not fully cognizant of the facts

When is it sensible to use conscious instead of aware?

In some situations, the words conscious and aware are roughly equivalent. However, conscious implies that one is focusing one's attention on something or is even preoccupied by it.

conscious that my heart was pounding

In what contexts can sensible take the place of aware?

The words sensible and aware 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

Example 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 aware Multiple lawsuits allege authorities were aware of vulnerabilities on Bourbon Street, where attacker Shamsud-Din Jabbar bypassed a police barricade and plowed into pedestrians before being killed by police. Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025 Consumers planning to spend big this Valentine's Day should be aware of scams. Jan Diaz, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025 Just being aware of where your thoughts are puts you in a position to do something about them. Sandy Thibault, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025 Syrians are aware of their existence, but their locations need to be pinpointed. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 6 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for aware 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aware
Adjective
  • In public, Payne seemed conscious of his career’s shortcomings and was clear about his desire to achieve more as an artist.
    Federico Fahsbender, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Here are some tips for cultivating optimism: Challenge negative thoughts – Be conscious of pessimistic self-talk and actively replace it with positive alternatives.
    Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Be cognizant of zoning codes and get your permits in order ahead of time.
    Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2025
  • Be cognizant of pruner, lopper and pruning saw blades while gardening.
    The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Doing these mindful practices (helps you) be objective about that voice and sometimes seeing it as the voice of other people, not yourself.
    Shannon Carpenter, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025
  • The guide notes that while eating on a train is allowed in many places, passengers should be mindful of how their habits affect others.
    Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Now, European officials are wary of becoming too reliant on SpaceX, and there's broad agreement on the continent that Europe should have the capability to launch its own satellites.
    Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 7 Feb. 2025
  • But while the broad market index is holding up despite these rising trade tensions, investors should be wary of what this means for a key catalyst going forward: the Federal Reserve’s rate cut outlook.
    Fred Imbert, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near aware

Cite this Entry

“Aware.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aware. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on aware

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