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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.

But for those of us who feel as if we’ve seen this movie before, it’s hard not to feel awfully apprehensive about how it all ends.

From Slate • Mar. 11, 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

Many employers are reluctant to hire workers, including people looking for part-time jobs in retirement, because they’re apprehensive about the economy.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026

The minutes, released Wednesday with a customary three-week lag, revealed that more officials were less worried about the labor market than they had been and more apprehensive about inflation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

I wasn’t afraid, a little apprehensive, maybe, but not afraid.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

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