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Showing results for apprehensive. Search instead for apprehensiv.
Definitions

apprehensive

[ap-ri-hen-siv] / ˌæp rɪˈhɛn sɪv /
ADJECTIVE
anxious, fearful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
afraid concerned doubtful jittery jumpy suspicious uncertain uneasy uptight
WEAK
alarmed biting nails butterflies disquieted feel in bones foreboding frozen get vibes have a hunch have cold feet have funny feeling have stage fright hung up in a cold sweat in a dither in a sweat lily-livered mistrustful running scared shaky stiff troubled weak worried worried sick
Antonyms
STRONGEST
calm certain clear collected composed confident cool definite easygoing happy laid-back sure unquestionable
WEAK
at ease quiet unafraid undoubting unfearful unsuspicious unworried

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As they are today, customers were apprehensive about new ownership, but Thayer spanned the gap and put them at ease.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

I wish I could say that when I received my first A.I.-humanization request, I felt more apprehensive about taking the job.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

Little-Pengelly said there were many people from across Northern Ireland who would be apprehensive about their loved ones who lived in the Middle East.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

Her apprehensive patient hits a breaking point nevertheless, frantically fleeing the exam room while Dana is procedurally required to remain.

From Salon • Feb. 26, 2026

He was flattered and apprehensive, certain that some severe official would soon appear and throw the whole lot of them out like a pack of bums.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.