CATCH ON (TO) Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

catch on (to)

verb

Definition of catch on (to)

as in to realize

to come to an awareness of she caught on to the fact that they were planning a surprise party

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to know

to have a clear idea of he finally caught on to the concept of phototaxis

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catch on (to)

Verb

Cantor realized the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, paired with his software engineering skills, enabled him to create just such a cozy game himself, without having to hire other people.

— Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 9 July 2026
Heat waves are arriving hotter, longer and more often, and heat exhaustion can hit faster than most people realize.

— Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026

Definition of realize

Verb

An area known for rough currents The 18-year-old’s body was found in the water just off the shore on the northwestern end of Horn Island, Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd said.

— Holly Yan, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Linnaea’s is known for its pastries, specialty coffees and its tranquil back patio.

— Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of know

Verb

Since February, archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry, pottery and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people or members of the society’s upper classes.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
The Art Newspaper reports that the bacteria was discovered during routine monthly testing earlier this week and that the institution quickly complied with the city’s remediation requirements.

— News Desk, Artforum, 10 July 2026

Definition of discover

Verb

As some participants vow to be crucified in exchange for family members’ recovery from ill health, panata is also understood as a sacrifice made out of love for others in the community.

— H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 10 July 2026
The study was conducted to better understand the true prevalence and distribution of alpha-gal IgE, antibodies produced by the body to fight the presence of the sugar molecule alpha-gal.

— Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026

Definition of understand

Verb

The stadium has been packed, the FIFA World Cup Fan Festival downtown has seen record attendance, and watch parties and other events have spread across the region.

— Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
The pair even goes on a quasi-date playing beer pong this week with Kendall and Shai, who can see right through Liam’s act.

— Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 July 2026

Definition of see

Verb

In 2023, the Vesuvius Challenge made its first award for deciphering the first letters, and the following year, the project awarded the grand prize of $700,000 for producing the first readable text.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2026
On Thursday, the University of Kentucky announced a new $1 million prize to anyone able to decipher a complete scroll, a feat the researchers once considered impossible, by June next year.

— Claudio Lavanga, NBC news, 26 June 2026

Definition of decipher

Verb

Growing up, Williford heard stories of ancestors catching giant grasshoppers, wrapping them in a maple leaf, adding a berry, then roasting them in fire and eating them like popcorn.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
In one video, several loud booms can be heard as a fireball appears behind buildings in the direction of the city’s port.

— Jamie Gray, NBC news, 9 July 2026

Definition of hear

Verb

Hayes was recognized as one of the trailblazing women in cybersecurity and has over a decade of experience in her field.

— Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
As of July 2026, 11 of 10,000 saints recognized by the Catholic Church have come from the United States.

— Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026

Definition of recognize

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.

Browse Nearby Words

catch one's eye

catch on (to)

catchpenny

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Style

“Catch on (to).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catch%20on%20%28to%29. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of catch on (to)

verb

Example Sentences

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