Synonym Chooser

How is the word understand distinct from other similar verbs?

The words appreciate and comprehend are common synonyms of understand. While all three words mean "to have a clear or complete idea of," understand and comprehend are very often interchangeable, with understand sometimes stressing the fact of having attained a firm mental grasp of something.

orders that were fully understood and promptly obeyed

When is it sensible to use appreciate instead of understand?

The synonyms appreciate and understand are sometimes interchangeable, but appreciate implies a just evaluation or judgment of a thing's value or nature.

failed to appreciate the risks involved

Where would comprehend be a reasonable alternative to understand?

Although the words comprehend and understand have much in common, comprehend may stress the process of coming to grips with something intellectually.

I have trouble comprehending your reasons for doing this

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 understand Some things are beyond the capacity of a child to understand, while others resonate most profoundly out of the mouths of babes. Peter Debruge, Variety, 5 July 2025 Detectives have continued to interview the mother to better understand her reasoning for leaving the child in the vehicle and a timeline of events, but the Harris County District Attorney's Office will determine any charges related to the tragic incident, according to the outlet. Sam Gillette, People.com, 4 July 2025 Schedule quarterly calls with customers or partners in different time zones to better understand regional market differences. Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025 These powerful stellar explosions serve as cosmic lighthouses, helping astronomers measure vast cosmic distances and understand the accelerating expansion of the universe. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for understand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understand
Verb
  • Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 7 July 2025
  • Here’s everything to know about the real-life loves of the New Girl cast.
    Julie Tremaine, People.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • For individuals entering the investing space, recognizing the emotional barriers that have held them back is a key part of their success.
    Alejandra Rojas, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Williams underscores the importance of collective action and creative resistance, urging readers to recognize that transformation starts not with the machine, but with the mind, and the communities willing to reimagine what’s possible.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • All of these inputs to the model simulations are primarily derived from observational data.
    Ben Santer, Scientific American, 4 July 2025
  • While much of the popularity of the program is derived from its ability to inspire online debate, even the showrunners have noticed an uptick in the nastiness of the commentary.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • The idea of having six kids was incredibly exciting but also terrifying to comprehend.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
  • For Wallace, the surviving children and the rest of their family, the pain is still raw, the grief is strong and the reality difficult to comprehend.
    Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • People were quick to decipher the message — and went bananas, as expected.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • With these additional texts, the team was able to completely decipher this ancient hymn of praise.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • After a marathon session, the Senate narrowly passed their version of the legislation with Vice President Vance having to cast the deciding vote.
    JJ Kinahan, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Jo’s novel is about a woman who decides to kill herself by preparing and eating a deadly blowfish.
    Literary Hub July 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • While a private jet is far faster than a train, many travelers are learning to appreciate a more relaxed trip with scenic views.
    John Kell, Fortune, 10 July 2025
  • Your input would be greatly appreciated. — CARING ABOUT HIM DEAR CARING: Continue to be gracious to Nicole.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Huge upset as Las Vegas, who many thought would go undefeated this weekend, lose their opener 3-1.
    Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Founding member of the pop rock band OneRepublic and political outsider Tim Myers thinks so.
    William Melhado July 7, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Understand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understand. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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