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.

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

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

Even with the recent price action, shares of Microsoft have fallen roughly 11% so far this year, as investors have grown apprehensive of Microsoft’s ability to compete in the age of AI.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

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

“Something dangerous?” she asked in an apprehensive tone.

From "Son" by Lois Lowry

Vocabulary lists containing apprehensive

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The Giver

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