apprehension

noun

ˌa-pri-ˈhen(t)-shən How to pronounce apprehension (audio)
Definition of apprehensionnext
1
as in dread
suspicion or fear of future harm or misfortune the hikers entered the dark cave with a great deal of apprehension

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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

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 Also, some consumers show a significant level of apprehension and distrust about the science behind the product on chat platforms like Reddit. — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 24 June 2026 Nearly 25% of parents who track their adult children said the monitoring could sometimes magnify their apprehensions rather than give them reassurance, according to the poll. — Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 15 June 2026 Last week, federal officials announced the apprehension of Said Abdullahi Ereg, 47, who was wanted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026 Yet DePaul University professor Martha Gardner offers an alternative perspective, one where the experiences of immigrants can offer society comfort, cohesion and a sense of hope in their nation during times of apprehension. — Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for apprehension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehension
  1. dread
  2. arrest
  3. fear
  4. understanding
  5. worry
  6. concern
  7. appreciation
  8. anxiety
Noun
  • Unlike the 1960 film, where Mizuno narrates his own tragedy, Yeon and Katayama’s new Vapor is an object of mystery and dread rather than the story’s protagonist.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026
  • Without a sense of dread and horror, From just becomes a kind of supernatural soap opera where everyone is angry at one another all the time.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of dread
Noun
  • Glazer reminded him of the presumption of innocence and told him not to discuss what happened during his arrest, only to speak privately with his attorney.
    — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • Deputies served the warrant on Adrian Cruz and collected evidence that led to Cruz’s arrest on felony animal cruelty charges, authorities said.
    — Velvet Wu July 1, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of arrest
Noun
  • Bell also spoke of the importance of prioritizing communication in their relationship — especially during moments of fear or insecurity.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026
  • Our country right now is mired in a level of bullying and intolerance that, for some, might feed their fears, but won’t feed their family.
    — Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of fear
Noun
  • The Iranian regime’s apparent hesitancy to resume in-person talks is a significant step back from the high-level talks that took place in Switzerland earlier this month following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the countries.
    — Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 30 June 2026
  • So the career of saying this film, not that one, gives way to a bitter understanding that the medium was indifferent to attempts at discrimination and prospects of a pantheon.
    — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026
Definition of understanding
Noun
  • Those worries make sense, and understanding how bird flu spreads and what to watch for is the best way to protect your flock and yourself.
    — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
  • Elevation invites visitors to carve wishes, worries, and hopes into the church pews.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of worry
Noun
  • To use available resources to block line of sight from the American Glass Research International complex to Trump, despite identifying this line of sight as a concern.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Over in the geopolitical front, fresh escalating tensions draw concern as Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine, prompting Poland to scramble jets while Finland restricted airspace.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 3 July 2026
Definition of concern
Noun
  • In 1859, Congress expressed the nation’s appreciation by creating the first reservation in Arizona; the two tribes, now known as the Gila River Indian Community, were guaranteed 372,000 acres along the Gila River.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • This could look like offering yourself appreciation, rest or understanding through meditation or journaling.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of appreciation
Noun
  • And at times members of the congregation thank her and others for casting aside those anxieties and keeping this place going.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • That uncertainty allows anxiety to grow because your brain naturally wants answers that do not yet exist.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of anxiety

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apprehensible
apprehension
apprehensions
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Cite this Entry

“Apprehension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehension. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on apprehension

Nglish: Translation of apprehension for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about apprehension

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