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 IndieWire understands the festival was waiting to confirm Denzel Washington’s attendance, and indeed the star will be at Cannes. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025 Photos taken of family members, celebrities, sketchbooks, and Pokémon cards are displayed so onlookers can further understand his journey of vulnerability from adolescence to now. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 9 Apr. 2025 At least conceptually, the Giants understand that the leap from 3-14 to Super Bowl contender cannot be made in a year. Howard Megdal, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025 It was not understood that the artist, through rigorous pictorial research, was aiming to chart the history of the image of female genitalia in the history of art from the classical period onward. Paola Ugolini, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for understand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understand
Verb
  • The name is derived from metal legs that extend out to keep the bag standing upright.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Trump has derived his authority to impose tariffs by declaring a national emergency caused by the flow of fentanyl and undocumented migration from Canada, Mexico and China.
    Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Here’s what to know about Booker’s marathon protest.
    Nik Popli, Time, 2 Apr. 2025
  • This was a problem for Sexton, best known for his roles in Bosch, The Killing and Deadwood who was offered a $595,000 deal for the role of Johnson.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In addition to Thompson, the gala will recognize Starz with the ChangeMaker Award for their work in film and media.
    Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 28 Mar. 2025
  • For years, the school board declined the proposal to recognize Eid as a day off.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Some tourists stumbled upon the skinny discount at Chiang Mai Breakfast World and decided to try it, as shown in a pair of Instagram videos that have since gone viral.
    Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Then President Nayib Bukele decided enough was enough.
    Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In Alex's case, this involved initiating honest conversations with Emily to comprehend the underlying factors contributing to her distress.
    Andriana Eliadis, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • But in order to comprehend that fact, people like Rowling would have to actually listen to ace people, and that’s more intellectually curious than she’s been since at least the 1990s.
    Samantha Riedel, Them., 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • One such problem is a too-common vocal style that is expressed in guttural growls, making lyrics difficult to decipher — at least for me.
    Mikal Gilmore, Rolling Stone, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Mathematicians are deciphered, disfigured, discounted, and dissolved.
    Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Staying silent for a few seconds can make people think of you as smart.
    Kathy and Ross Petras, Contributors, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025
  • A couple years ago, fans even thought that Swift might make a cameo onthe medical drama, which is still on the air after 20 years.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Thai isn’t a particularly easy language to learn but an effort to grasp the basics will always be appreciated by the locals.
    Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • To truly appreciate Toronto's culinary heritage, Kish recommends diving into the city's food history—including surprising discoveries like the Canadian origins of sushi pizza and Hawaiian pizza.
    Kimberly Lyn, Travel + Leisure, 5 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Understand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understand. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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