aware

adjective

ə-ˈwer How to pronounce aware (audio)
Definition of awarenext
as in conscious
having specified facts or feelings actively impressed on the mind as she was being wheeled out of surgery, she became dimly aware that her parents were in the room

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective aware contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of aware are alive, awake, cognizant, conscious, and sensible. While all these words mean "having knowledge of something," aware implies vigilance in observing or alertness in drawing inferences from what one experiences.

aware of changes in climate

How are the words alive and sensible related as synonyms of aware?

Alive adds to sensible the implication of acute sensitivity to something.

alive to the thrill of danger

When could awake be used to replace aware?

While the synonyms awake and aware are close in meaning, awake implies that one has become alive to something and is on the alert.

a country always awake to the threat of invasion

When might cognizant be a better fit than aware?

While in some cases nearly identical to aware, cognizant implies having special or certain knowledge as from firsthand sources.

not fully cognizant of the facts

When is it sensible to use conscious instead of aware?

In some situations, the words conscious and aware are roughly equivalent. However, conscious implies that one is focusing one's attention on something or is even preoccupied by it.

conscious that my heart was pounding

In what contexts can sensible take the place of aware?

The words sensible and aware are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sensible implies direct or intuitive perceiving especially of intangibles or of emotional states or qualities.

sensible of a teacher's influence

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of aware Alt5 said its board only became aware of the ruling in late August. —Zach Everson, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 As a generation, Gen Z is hyper-aware of their economic conditions. —Alice Lassman, Time, 8 Sep. 2025 Also, be aware of other potential allergens, such as dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. —Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2025 Still, being aware and taking a few smart steps can give you extra peace of mind during your stay. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aware
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aware
  1. conscious
  2. cognizant
  3. mindful
  4. wary
Adjective
  • That means staying alert to how AI systems influence our thinking and making conscious choices about when and how to engage with them.
    — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Sullivan believes Fruitist’s market opportunity is strong as consumers become more conscious about health and are willing to pay for premium products.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
Definition of conscious
Adjective
  • Seniors should also be cognizant of offers that seem too good to be true as well as any pressure to act urgently.
    — Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
  • This is a reminder to be cognizant and intentional.
    — Lisa Stardust, Refinery29, 5 Sep. 2025
Definition of cognizant
Adjective
  • The Disconnect to Reconnect wellness program embraces Balinese culture while offering a more mindful approach to travel.
    — Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Coaches and execs backed off placing Herbert in Tier 1, mindful of his 0-2 postseason record and poor team success in close games.
    — Mike Sando, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of mindful
Adjective
  • Other than in the Second Circuit, the federal courts of appeals generally have interpreted the Confrontation Clause to require face-to-face cross examination, and counsel should be wary of giving up that important right.
    — Robert Anello, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • For decades, educators have been wary of the decline in critical thinking and its impact on undermining the very purpose of education.
    — Sixteen Ramos, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of wary

Browse Nearby Words

awards
aware
awareness
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Cite this Entry

“Aware.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aware. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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