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.

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

Just across the street at the Ali Bin Ali grocery store, a shopkeeper was more apprehensive as he arranged boxes of Iranian dates and nuts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 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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Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 1

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