Synonym Chooser

How is the word comprehend distinct from other similar verbs?

The words appreciate and understand are common synonyms of comprehend. While all three words mean "to have a clear or complete idea of," comprehend may stress the process of coming to grips with something intellectually.

I have trouble comprehending your reasons for doing this

When is it sensible to use appreciate instead of comprehend?

While the synonyms appreciate and comprehend are close in meaning, appreciate implies a just evaluation or judgment of a thing's value or nature.

failed to appreciate the risks involved

How are the words understand and comprehend related?

Both 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

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 comprehend Part of the reason this can be so challenging to comprehend is because of the way the universe is described in the language of mathematics. Rob Coyne, The Conversation, 10 June 2025 Algorithmic Literacy encompasses comprehending how AI systems process information, make decisions and generate insights — not as programmers. Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 Celestial events held tremendous significance throughout much of human history, in a way most 21st-century minds can scarcely comprehend. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 13 June 2025 In his final days, which my young mind couldn’t fully comprehend, a fresh bottle sat by his hospital bed. Stixx Mathews, Essence, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for comprehend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comprehend
Verb
  • To better understand the missing middle, Paulsen was part of a research team that examined rock samples from the Polar Rock Depository at The Ohio State University’s Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center.
    Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 5 July 2025
  • The class is offered by the Peace and Justice Institute, an Orlando nonprofit that hosts workshops on topics like conflict resolution, understanding trauma, emotional intelligence and parenting.
    Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 7 July 2025
  • Because as our founders knew so well, human nature recoils all too often at the inconveniences and frustrations of self-government.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • The class encompasses information about exercises to prepare the mother for birth, relaxation and coping techniques, pain control options, labor positioning, induction and C-section basics, recovery and welcoming baby.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025
  • The threats guiding the world of medical device cybersecurity encompass many attack types.
    Christian Espinosa, Forbes.com, 25 June 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
  • The area around Canfield Mountain has been designated a no-fly zone by the sheriff’s office until further notice, including a prohibition on drones, the county’s emergency management services said.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 1 July 2025
  • The Miami Dolphins made a roster-shaking trade Monday, sending Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a package that includes Pro Bowl safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, a former Dolphins’ first-round draft pick, according to a source.
    David Furones, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • What’s interesting is that some in the Middle East, and probably many more than Americans are aware of, grasp the above assertion about what not only the Middle East needs, but every country reliant on American money, military protection, advice, or all three needs.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • In 2021, Copeland was part of a study that showed how a sense of touch improved his ability to grasp and manipulate objects with his prosthetic hand.
    Jon Hamilton, NPR, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The new collection contains 20 examples of chain-making expertise, many of which are paved with diamonds and paired with statement gems.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • As of Monday evening, the fire crew effectively contained 65% of the wildfire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Every year, The Hollywood Reporter recognizes the town’s best and most influential business managers working behind the scenes to manage the financial lives of entertainment’s most high-profile figures.
    Trey Williams, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
  • This led to conflicts with horse-riders, but, recognizing that there were more cyclists than horse-riders, the municipality gave bicyclists legal access to horse tracks in the early 1880s.
    Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Comprehend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comprehend. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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