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 Two people were apprehended following a shooting in Waterbury on Thursday. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 10 July 2026 The rodent may be apprehended, but its exploits will live on infamy. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 9 July 2026 Jose Guadalupe Lopez Nunez, 49, was apprehended last year in Mexico, subsequently extradited and booked Friday at the Sacramento County Main Jail. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026 San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan encouraged the community to help authorities apprehend the suspects. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for apprehend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehend

Verb

As with consideration of any new medication, understanding implications, both good and bad, short-term and long-term, need to be fully discussed with any patient and treating physician.

— Nina Shapiro, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
It’s been understood for years that America’s adversaries and allies alike take a keen interest in how this country practices an imperfect democracy.

— Philip Elliott, Time, 17 July 2026

Definition of understand

Verb

The Fort Worth Police Department arrested three men on narcotics charges after seizing a large amount of drugs from their homes, police said.

— Mary Ella Hastings July 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026
Aïnouz’s new feature, however, is extreme in its brand of dysfunction and study of incestuous lust, amped up by its arresting cinematography.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

Definition of arrest

Verb

Another gripe for many is the American accents uniformly applied to these characters from Greek mythology when everyone knows that all the glorious empires of Hollywood speak exclusively in British accents.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
On the opposite side of the ball, he could be heard barking orders out during pick-and-roll situations, loudly letting teammates know where the ball-handler was headed.

— Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026

Definition of know

Verb

Chen, who was living in Boston and has a college-age son, is the only American currently held in China designated as wrongfully detained, the non-profit said.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
The policy guidance applies to agents under Enforcement and Removal Operations, the branch of ICE that detains and ultimately deports undocumented immigrants.

— Philip Wang, Time, 14 July 2026

Definition of detain

Verb

Rather than genetically engineering immune cells, as is sometimes done for other therapies, researchers identify T cells in the patient that naturally recognize three proteins that are found in many brain tumors.

— Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 14 July 2026
The website received six nominations from the awards body, which recognizes excellence in arts and entertainment journalism.

— Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 14 July 2026

Definition of recognize

Verb

The filet mignon stays classy and restrained, while the dry-aged New York strip and ribeye lean deeper into the richness people come to steakhouses for in the first place.

— Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026
Litchfield’s most exuberant inmate, Taystee is deeply impacted by the death of her best friend, Poussey, who was being restrained incorrectly by a prison guard.

— Gwen Ihnat, Entertainment Weekly, 11 July 2026

Definition of restrain

Browse Nearby Words

appreciatory

apprehend

apprehended

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Apprehend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/apprehend. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of apprehend

verb

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