apprehension
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for apprehension, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A worried feeling that something bad might happen; anxiety about the future.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use apprehension
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a sense of apprehension
apprehension about
with some apprehension
Etymology
From Latin apprehensio, "a taking hold of" — the same root as apprehend and comprehend.
Full origin of apprehension →Frequently asked questions
What does “apprehension” mean?
The word “apprehension” means a worried feeling that something bad might happen; anxiety about the future. In plain terms, usually means nervous worry about what might happen next; less commonly, the act of arresting someone or a basic grasp of something.
How do you pronounce “apprehension”?
“Apprehension” is pronounced ap-rih-HEHN-shuhn (/æp.ɹiˈhɛn.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “apprehension” in a sentence?
Here is “apprehension” used in a sentence: “She felt a growing sense of apprehension as the exam approached.”
What is another word for “apprehension”?
Words with a similar meaning to “apprehension” include misgiving, qualm and trepidation.
What is the opposite of “apprehension”?
The opposite of “apprehension” — its antonyms — is inapprehension.
What part of speech is “apprehension”?
“Apprehension” is a noun.
Where does the word “apprehension” come from?
The word “apprehension” comes from Latin. From Latin apprehensio, "a taking hold of" — the same root as apprehend and comprehend.
Is “apprehension” a common word?
“Apprehension” is an uncommon word in modern English.
