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.

Where some early tracks conveyed carefree innocence—laughing children, music-box melodies—the mood here is often apprehensive and uneasy.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

North East Lincolnshire Council says recorded rates of ASB in the ward "are low" when compared with other parts of the area, but recognises "some people will be apprehensive about reporting".

From BBC • May 20, 2026

So when Hachette Book Group’s Grand Central Publishing division requested Collins write the introduction to its new edition of “Survivor,” hitting shelves in September after more than 40 years out of print, she was apprehensive.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

Investors appear to be apprehensive about Affirm’s ability to sustain both annual 30% gross-merchandise-volume growth and expand adjusted operating margins, Faucette said.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

Yossarian escaped, but kept looking back over his shoulder anxiously as he retreated through the street People stared at him strangely, making him more apprehensive.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

Vocabulary lists containing apprehensive

100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know

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The Giver

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Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 1

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