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

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 conscious Castro is deftly conscious of the complicated space that Selena occupied, weaving in a narrative of assimilation to multiple cultures. Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 27 Jan. 2025 For socially conscious investors and entrepreneurs, the solution is clear: Ethical private investment can bridge the funding gap, driving measurable social impact while generating consistent, long-term financial returns. Frank Cartwright, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 Additionally, consider this: Being environmentally conscious can be a differentiator. Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 Jan. 2025 This vivacious transit — igniting your socially conscious 11th house of friendship, community affairs and future aspirations — invites you to make new connections and focus on your long-term goals. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for conscious 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conscious
Adjective
  • Steve Downing, the general manager for Telemundo Kansas City, said in an email on Friday that the station was aware that an arrest had been made in connection with Mr. Manzano’s death.
    Neil Vigdor, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025
  • The Liberty Police Department was aware of the ICE operation by late Friday afternoon, but department spokesperson Capt. Matt Kellogg was unable to confirm whether the federal agency had notified the local agency before or after the raid.
    Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Both City and the Premier League claimed a victory after October’s initial ruling that found three aspects of the APTs were unlawful, most notably around the deliberate exclusion of shareholder loans, which is when a club borrows money from its ownership group, usually interest-free.
    Dan Sheldon, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025
  • The reality is this was a deliberate strategic provocation few will see or acknowledge.
    Ryan P. Burke, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Since the instruction is voluntary, and since the facility is provided and maintained by taxpayers, an inmate should have the freedom to seek religious counsel on prison grounds.
    Dan Miller, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Participation in the club is voluntary, and students do not receive grades or academic credit for participation, according to the lawsuit.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Mishkin, however, rejected McDonough’s other claims for unlawful retaliation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and invasion of privacy.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Healing from past parenting mistakes is a process that starts with self-compassion and leads to self-awareness and intentional repair — with oneself and, when possible, your children.
    Lori Gottlieb, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The intended answer, 88 ounces, indicated that a programming or grading error had been made after the child had handed the paper over.
    Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Chouest spent most of that period looking to unload the vessel after Shell, its intended user, walked away. Members who received money from Chouest pressured the Coast Guard to rent or buy the Aiviq from the company.
    McKenzie Funk, ProPublica, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Even more than his strong, octave-surfing Ontario accent, his willed congeniality—a mix of natural reserve and a morbid aversion to pretense—spoke to something in my bones.
    Michelle Orange, Harper's Magazine, 14 Dec. 2023
  • 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

Thesaurus Entries Near conscious

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on conscious

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