Definition of understandnext

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 And it’s understood to be based not merely on that post-war mindset but also on the Christmas Truce of 1914, largely among British and German soldiers. Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026 Deadline understands Gaspin, who is VP, Unscripted Series, just told colleagues of his move moments ago. Peter White, Deadline, 10 June 2026 Those of us who have worn the badge understand its limits. Diane Goldstein, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026 This is inevitably a book by a human about how humans—the makers of art and its viewers—understand the dog seeing in relation to our species. Literary Hub, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for understand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understand
Verb
  • For up to a month, Luban remained in a spot off the southern coast of India that is known for high food productivity.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 June 2026
  • Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known and can spread easily, especially among unvaccinated or undervaccinated populations.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • When was Juneteenth recognized in Georgia?
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 19 June 2026
  • Some doctors pulled back on prescriptions, recognizing the potential for abuse.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Naturally occurring tax revenues derived from economic growth would help obviate the need for Springfield’s seemingly endless quests for novel fees and tax ideas.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026
  • This gives the roots a knotty appearance from which its common name is derived.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • The scale of Musk’s own net worth is now almost impossible to comprehend, such that, on Monday, SpaceX’s stock rallied, and Musk’s one-day gain was more than the net worth of Bill Gates, once the richest person in the world.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026
  • The Maracana descended into silence at full time, as the nation struggled to comprehend what had happened.
    Will Jeanes, New York Times, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • There's a science behind adding curb appeal to your home, and Thumbtack has been on a mission to decipher the paint colors that add the most appeal to your exterior.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2026
  • What’s more, the back of the painting shows a number code which was deciphered in the project to reveal the year of production—1934.
    Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Attorneys for the Justice Department asked Cooper for more time to respond to Beatty, saying the Kennedy Center is still deciding how to proceed.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • Lucky decides to take Mason to his first baseball game in Atlanta, only to encounter a series of complications and setbacks for which fatherhood, grief, and economic barriers are a distinct part of the Black American experience.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Since then, Roberts, who will also manage the NL All-Star team, has appreciated how diligent Pages has remained in his routine.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • Throughout his career, he's often found that many families appreciate the perspective a male nanny can bring, particularly when working with young boys.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Iran is thought to have 972 pounds of uranium that is enriched up to 60% purity, according to the IAEA.
    Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • In the top of the first inning, Rangers catcher Elias Diaz pointed at first base thinking there would be a first-base umpire, when the umpire was in the middle of the diamond.
    Cal Phillips June 19, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Understand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understand. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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