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 Garcia then ran into the neighborhood, prosecutors said, before authorities chased him down and apprehended him. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026 At that event, an armed hotel guest managed to breach a stairwell near the security perimeter and charge the metal detectors with guns drawn, allegedly shooting a Secret Service agent but getting apprehended before reaching the ballroom doors. — Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026 He was subdued and apprehended by two Federal Protective Service officers and a security contractor, according to James Barnacle, who leads the FBI’s New York field office. — ABC News, 21 July 2026 In March, Idaho attempted to pass multiple bills requiring local police and sheriff agencies to enter into the 287(g) agreements with ICE and report the number of noncitizens being investigated or apprehended. — Alexandra Duggan, Idaho Statesman, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for apprehend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehend

Verb

Instead of diluting its elite credibility to reach a broader audience, the brand translated that credibility into environments where the average person could understand its every day relevance.

— Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Even more unnerving than the sheer volume is how little the impact is understood and accounted for.

— Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

Definition of understand

Verb

Velasquez was arrested July 16 and is charged with capital murder.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Aug. 2026
Zachary Robert Stacer, 22, was arrested on July 30 and charged with two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, three counts of felonious assault and five counts of resisting and obstructing a police officer.

— Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of arrest

Verb

Funen is a historic spot known for its 123 castles and estates, and Odense is particularly lovely, with characterful old streets, lush greenery, and inspiring museums that add to its charm.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
What was once known as Westport Middle School opened in 1924 and closed in 2009.

— Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of know

Verb

The pivotal moment occurred when Randy Orton made a shocking return, delivering an RKO to Cody Rhodes, which allowed Punk to seize the opportunity and secure the pinfall.

— Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
The 12th-century castle, also known as Al-Shaqif, was seized by Israeli forces in May.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of seize

Verb

Dodson, after all, was the green-dot guy (the person who gets the calls from the sideline), something that can be rather difficult for a rookie to immediately comprehend.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
And to understand it, and to comprehend that kind of thing, is a good way to keep your mind open to learning new things and working new things into your sphere.

— Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of comprehend

Verb

This spring, the FBI detained a former aide to Fauci, and federal officials banned a virus researcher in North Carolina from receiving federal funding.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
Police detained Schmidt twice during the altercation, originally placing him into the police vehicle after the officer shot his black Labrador, according to eyewitness Paul Bates.

— Gabe White, Arkansas Online, 21 July 2026

Definition of detain

Verb

In the mid-2010s, Doe and another man broke into a 16-year-old girl’s home, restrained her father and another boy and raped her before setting the house on fire.

— Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 July 2026
The visual refresh that accompanies the system is comparatively restrained.

— Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 26 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 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of apprehend

verb

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