Synonyms of behold

behold

verb

bi-ˈhōld 

1

as in to know

to have a clear idea of

to anyone who beholds the immense complexity of life on earth

Synonyms & Similar Words

• know
• understand
• see
• recognize
• comprehend
• decipher
• appreciate
• grasp
• realize
• perceive
• discern
• conceive
• get
• sense
• seize
• apprehend
• make out
• tumble (to)
• dig
• catch on (to)
• cotton (to or on to)
• register
• make
• catch
• assimilate
• compass
• twig
• pick up on
• intuit
• savvy
• grok
• fathom
• decode
• cognize
• take in
• absorb
• digest
• penetrate
• pierce

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• miss
• misunderstand
• misread
• mistake
• misinterpret
• misconstrue
• misapprehend
• misconceive
• misperceive

2

as in to see

to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes

I opened the window blinds and beheld snow everywhere

Synonyms & Similar Words

• see
• notice
• eye
• spot
• sight
• regard
• view
• perceive
• watch
• look (at)
• observe
• witness
• note
• discern
• remark
• espy
• descry
• catch
• set eyes on
• distinguish
• get a load of
• spy
• lay eyes on
• identify
• pick out
• consider
• attend (to)
• make out
• heed
• glimpse
• scan
• examine
• inspect
• mark
• scrutinize
• study
• mind
• survey
• glance (at)
• pick up
• peer (at)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• disregard
• neglect
• pass over
• miss
• overlook
• overpass

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of behold

The whiplash is something to behold. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026

Purists may object, but Rolex’s modern movements are quite lovely to behold. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2026

The volcanic lakes, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, are actually connected, but their colors differ drastically, creating a unique sight to behold. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2026

The main difference is that Ruisdael cranes upward, to behold a castle on a hill, whereas Vermeer levels his gaze across open water. —Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026