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
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • Ellison’s interests extend well beyond real estate, encompassing a serious watch collection, high-performance yachts, and his role as cofounder of SailGP, a global sailing league launched in 2018.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 July 2025
  • The foundation has now grown to encompass other crafts and traditional Korean practices.
    Thessaly La Force, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • With these additional texts, the team was able to completely decipher this ancient hymn of praise.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 2 July 2025
  • People were quick to decipher the message — and went bananas, as expected.
    Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • While wedding planning, the pair was inspired by Alyssa's older sister, who included couples trivia at her reception.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 12 July 2025
  • Taco Bell crispy chicken tacos and burritos (AKA wraps) Earlier this summer, Taco Bell debuted a new lineup of crispy chicken menu items that include tacos and burritos after a successful trial with chicken nuggets.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 12 July 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
  • Reaching for the Christ child, batting away evil spirits, grasping after floating words.
    Zadie Smith, New Yorker, 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
  • For reference, a cigarette typically contains 10 to 15 mg of nicotine.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 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
  • The system even recognizes when the user is trying to sing and can change the pitch to match simple melodies.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 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 16 Jul. 2025.

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