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 Federal law enforcement sources told Fox News Corrales was apprehended at the southern border in October 2023 and subsequently released into the United States during the Biden administration. — Brittany Miller , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026 Only instead of just peacefully apprehending opponents, Doncic’s super-competitive alter ego wants to smash them all under an array of increasingly rude step-back jumpers. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 French President Emmanuel Macron gave a warning this week that thieves would be apprehended. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 According to the Department of Justice, New was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 7 before being apprehended in Las Vegas on October 13. — Preezy Brown, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for apprehend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehend

Verb

After accepting the Up Against It role, Whitaker requested time with an oncologist for a briefing on Rose’s treatment to understand the real-life protocols around treating cancer.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2026
But for decades, scientists didn’t understand the neural underpinnings of cognitive exhaustion.

— Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of understand

Verb

Greenfield resident Donald William Breeden was arrested and booked into Monterey County Jail on two counts of murder with criminal street gang enhancements, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Police arrested him with the victims' Cadillac an hour away in Birmingham.

— KIM CHANDLER, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of arrest

Verb

There is something so beautiful about loving someone through every season of their life … Kenny, one of the greatest gifts of my life has been getting to know you through all your different chapters.

— Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2026
The 'gold standard' Grading companies verify a card’s authenticity, assess its condition and seal it in a protective plastic case, known as a slab.

— Matthew Tan, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of know

Verb

However, such a tie-up would be the largest in history and would almost certainly raise antitrust concerns that Democrats would seize upon.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Washington seized control of Venezuela's oil exports in January after ousting former President Nicolás Maduro in a military raid.

— Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of seize

Verb

Understanding how these elements work together can help homeowners read and comprehend their tax bills and better plan for one of the biggest ongoing costs of owning a home, next to the mortgage payment.

— Elizabeth Jane Beckett-Camarata, The Conversation, 30 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of comprehend

Verb

Federal agents were still detaining undocumented immigrants across the state, and Latino residents — the state’s largest ethnic group at 41% — were suffering under the crushing cost of food, gas and housing.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
The man in handcuffs, shortly after being detained, became unresponsive, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of detain

Verb

The production brings together more than 30 creative professionals whose work has been recognized by the Golden Horse, Golden Bell and Golden Melody awards, as well as international festivals.

— Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 8 Nov. 2026
Parents do not have to become experts in AI to recognize the difference.

— Christian M. Jacobs, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of recognize

Verb

The relevant market identifies the arena in which competition allegedly has been restrained.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Sheriff’s officials said deputies arrived about three minutes after the initial call and found the suspect on the ground being physically restrained by the home’s resident and the caller.

— Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 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 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of apprehend

verb

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