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
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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
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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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of apprehension
Or at least detained as apprehensions, dreams, or maybe even glimpses now and then.
—
David Searcy, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Buyers’ apprehensions over such scenarios are presumably among the factors that are negatively impacting sales.
—Michael L. Hyman, Miami Herald, 29 Dec. 2025
The average analyst polled by LSEG has a hold rating, with several citing apprehension about the stock’s multiple.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 Dec. 2025
The Silent Witness program highlights felony cases in the Valley in which no arrest has been made and offers a cash reward for information resulting in a suspect's apprehension.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehension
Noun
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That last reassuring prediction lowered my dread meter enough to consider the Connecticut homegrown disruptive events that will require attention but do not threaten annihilation.—
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For many Venezuelans in Austin, news that United States forces had captured Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, landed with a mix of relief and dread.—
Noun
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Beere added that officers were nearing key arrests in Saturday’s triple homicide.—
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Its most recent casualty update put the total at 34 protesters killed, two security forces killed, and 2,076 arrests.—
Noun
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A lot of people get drawn into the fear, distracted by the thoughts in their head.—
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Many immigrant customers haven’t returned, while five of his former employees, despite having working papers, left Charlotte permanently out of fear.—
Noun
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Spirit, energy and enthusiasm When there were loud external calls for upgrades at safety in August, head coach Dave Canales firmly backed Scott because of his leadership and understanding of the defense.—
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Tensor said the system emphasizes contextual understanding rather than simple object detection, allowing the AI to adapt to complex and unpredictable real-world driving conditions.—
Noun
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Meanwhile Syria remains scarred by years of conflict and nationals in Germany are looking on at the debate with mounting worry.—
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Leaders at big carmakers spelled out their worries in the latest round of earnings calls, saying that finding a replacement for Nexperia at scale in the short term will be difficult.—
Noun
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The measures, which had been agreed to in writing in mid-November 2023, were intended to address Lively’s concerns about on-set conduct and safety.—
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Venezuelan immigrants and political refugees are celebrating the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, despite local protests and legal concerns.—
Noun
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In a statement, Young expressed appreciation for the restaurant’s place in the city.—
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As a result, your return depends entirely on price appreciation.—
Noun
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Somehow, this new sensation emitted an awareness of the magnitude in which skateboarding would warp my life, which only ratcheted up the anxiety of blowing it.—
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The news this week that an ICE agent had shot and killed a woman in Minnesota heightened his anxiety.—
Cite this Entry
“Apprehension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehension. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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