Definition of awarenext

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 Astronomers have been aware of the Milky Way's arms for at least a century, but mapping them has always been difficult since Earth is positioned inside one of them. James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026 Getting the Gestures Wrong Nonverbal communication can get non-Japanese speakers a long way, but be aware that not all gestures translate. Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026 The cast is well aware that Sheridan shows like to kill off their main characters. Peter White, Deadline, 3 July 2026 Be aware that several states have specific capacity limits, registration requirements, or structural regulations based on historical water rights. Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for aware
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aware
Adjective
  • Factor meals are made with health-conscious ingredients that can cater to your dietary needs, ranging from Keto to vegan and beyond.
    Rachel Cortez, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • As an ambassador for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, Howard is conscious of what his appearance at The Open could mean to younger people living with the condition and to their families.
    Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • Some experts say model makers should be cognizant that the government could weigh in on AI again.
    John Kell, Fortune, 24 June 2026
  • Being Considerate There are a host of unwritten rules in Japan that travelers should be cognizant of.
    Catherine Heald, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Mars and Uranus’ alignment inspires you to follow your passions, but be mindful of the risks involved!
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • The Illinois Department of Transportation warned drivers to be mindful of pavement failures, saying surfaces could buckle in the extreme heat.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • But be wary of high heat forecast for Washington this weekend, as event schedules are subject to change amid sweltering temperatures.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • Iran may also be wary of attacks by the exiled Mujahadin-e Khalq (MeK), which Iran accuses of carrying out attacks inside Iran over several decades.
    Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 4 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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