APPREHEND Synonyms: 99 Similar and Opposite Words

apprehend

verb

ˌa-pri-ˈhend

Definition of apprehend

as in to understand

to have a clear idea of do you apprehend the importance of this discovery?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to arrest

to take or keep under one's control by authority of law the agency charged with apprehending criminals who have violated federal law

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 apprehend He was apprehended and detained by police, according to court records. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 To date, the gang-fighting force has apprehended 26 people, including a minor who has been transferred to a special center; the others were handed over to Haitian authorities, per the protocol the force works under, within 48 hours of their arrest. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026 Durham was later apprehended and served time in prison for the crime, but not before selling the paintings to a notorious crime boss who was later found in possession of the art. — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 Two detainees held at Florida's Deportation Depot west of Jacksonville were released by mistake over the weekend and later apprehended and returned to the detention facility, officials have confirmed. — CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for apprehend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehend

Verb

The findings could help scientists understand how electrons behave under intense electric fields and develop new ways to control electronic materials using light.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
Most state lawmakers understand this, but some pivotal decisions are being made by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

— Max Harden, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of understand

Verb

Nearly a year after Christina Downer disappeared, her actor boyfriend was among two people arrested on suspicion of killing her, Los Angeles police said Friday.

— Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
Smith, White and Duran were arrested after a search of the box allegedly revealed 10 kilograms of cocaine, and a search of the shopping bag allegedly contained more than $170,000 in cash.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of arrest

Verb

Thames Valley officers in February arrested the former prince, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on suspicion of misconduct in public office based on information released in the Epstein Files.

— Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
Stockhausen, never known for the nuance of his public pronouncements, was nonetheless not wrong to identify Aphex Twin’s debt to an African-diasporic rhythmic tradition.

— Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of know

Verb

Weafer said Russia may be seizing control of foreign companies in anticipation of a deal to secure Russian assets frozen abroad.

— David McHugh, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Italian authorities seized the sailboats, and the activists were reported to prosecutors for allegedly disrupting a public service.

— Asra Q. Nomani, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of seize

Verb

Infinite Jasons • MacNamara is so far from comprehending the box that his Jason looked utterly bored by his questions.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Squires recalled spending time talking with his neighbor and said the loss of the man and his wife was difficult to comprehend.

— Joe Brandt, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of comprehend

Verb

Essghir was ordered detained until his next hearing, while Abdulkarim, who attended court in a wheelchair, was granted bail.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026
One night, following the filming of an elevator scene, officers came to Hamid’s home intending to detain me.

— Will Tizard, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of detain

Verb

Support for Question 3 recognizes that Maryland cannot ignore a national effort to consolidate Republican power and hope the consequences pass us by.

— Dylan Behler, Baltimore Sun, 1 Nov. 2026
While the Burton Cummings Theatre recognized and addressed the issue, Howk says that outcome is the exception, far from the rule.

— Maribeth Romslo, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of recognize

Verb

On the strength of those elections, restrained only marginally by the midterm elections of 1982, Reagan began his second term on top of the world.

— Ron Elving, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026
Security restrained Kruse’s arm behind her back while escorting her through the stands.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of restrain

Browse Nearby Words

appreciatory

apprehend

apprehended

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Style

“Apprehend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehend. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of apprehend

verb

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