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 The man then allegedly tried to get into an American Airlines lavatory service truck before Airport Police Services officers apprehended him, the outlet reported. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026 The hanged man, John Morgan, had been jailed, tried for murder, and convicted, before escaping jail, getting apprehended, and being executed—all in ten days, Mellinger said. — Oliver Whang, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2026 While Trippie wasn’t apprehended on any charges, an investigation into the case remains ongoing. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 7 Oct. 2026 Police officers and sheriff’s deputies apprehend suspects, but prosecutors are the ones who file charges. — Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for apprehend

Recent Examples of Synonyms for apprehend

Verb

But the really impactful part is understanding the function and developing it into a tool.

— Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026
The committee isn’t fully aware of the muddy bog in which Taverner is currently sinking, but Lamb is starting to understand the shape of it.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of understand

Verb

Now, in yet another blow to national self-esteem, the ex-head of Germany’s foreign intelligence agency, the BND, has been arrested on charges of exploiting state secrets.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 17 Oct. 2026
Roseville police have arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection with the fatal stabbing of a homeless woman downtown earlier this week, authorities said.

— Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of arrest

Verb

Depending on the machine and settings, that material ends up in a purge tower built alongside the print, or in a collection of little plastic doll's-house-looking spaghetti balls, affectionately known as printer poop.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026
Cringing can therefore manifest as the abashment of not knowing (yet; possibly ever) how to read something.

— Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of know

Verb

The continent’s political leaders must seize the moment to act, and not let this moment of Europtimism slide.

— Sophie Dembinski, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
The latest conflict between the Saudis and the Houthis began last month after the rebels seized key areas along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical waterway for oil shipments.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of seize

Verb

That straining to comprehend the irrational fog of human emotions is the show’s explicit subject only clarifies the problem rather than neutralizing it.

— Alison Herman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Unfortunately, the average consumer doesn’t have the knowledge necessary to comprehend and act on those results.

— Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of comprehend

Verb

New details emerged late Monday about what allegedly occurred on board the flight and in the aftermath when Blair was detained at JFK and transported to a local hospital.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
Another man detained by officers, identified as 25-year-old Adrian Liscano Ramos of Santa Rosa, was on probation.

— Tim Fang, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of detain

Verb

Cornyn’s disengagement has irked Paxton’s allies, who recognize Cornyn’s potential appeal to moderate voters — including those Cruz might not be able to reach.

— Matthew Choi, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2026
Among that trio was The Mayan, built in 1926 as the home of Elks Lodge 705 and recognized as a rare American example of Mayan Revival Architecture.

— Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of recognize

Verb

According to the report, one of the nightclub's owners attempted to physically restrain Lindo and pleaded with him to drop the weapon, describing Lindo as acting focused on his target.

— Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
Corrections officials said the officers forced Olivas back into his cell and restrained him.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 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 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of apprehend

verb

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