catch on (to)

verb

Definition of catch on (to)next
1
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
2
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)
  1. realize
  2. know
  3. discover
  4. understand
  5. see
  6. decipher
  7. hear
  8. recognize
Verb
  • An unlikely working relationship develops between an overzealous tech billionaire and a reluctant writer who realizes the only way to make artificial intelligence any better is to fix the broken real world it’s trained on.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 Aug. 2026
  • A lot of emotions came up and realizing your job, your title, your paycheck can be eliminated in a day, but your values and your purpose don't have to die in that spot.
    — Rashad Williams, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of realize
Verb
  • The findings from the 2017 eclipse suggested another explanation, known as the diffraction-interference, might be responsible for shadow bands.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Raquel’s battling that same thing of just not really knowing how, but wanting to be in her version of being a good mom.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of know
Verb
  • Stringr The launch near where the trio was found is roughly seven miles southwest of a different boat launch, where a car belonging to one of the women was discovered with a window broken out, state police said in a statement Wednesday.
    — Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The Bronze Age tomb was discovered at Carrarzu Iddia, an archaeological site near the town of Macomer, as reported in Finestra Sull’Arte.
    — Leigh Anne Miller for ARTnews, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of discover
Verb
  • Furthermore, understanding compensation gaps helps identify valuable expertise and actionable development paths.
    — Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Not necessarily having control of it, but understanding what Kanan did and how this was going to come back to him.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of understand
Verb
  • While a thin sliver will remain illuminated by direct sunlight, most of the lunar surface will appear dramatically darkened with a subtle reddish-orange glow — reminiscent of a total lunar eclipse seen across North America on March 3.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • As premier, she has rarely been seen in public wearing all-black suits and boots.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of see
Verb
  • Western San Gabriel Mountains/Highway 14 Corridor When an air quality alert pops up on the radar, deciphering its implications is crucial.
    — Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 30 July 2026
  • The discovery began in 2024, when a representative of the monastery's preservation association asked Tornau to decipher the manuscript.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of decipher
Verb
  • Around that time, multiple officers fired stun guns — the electric shocks of which could be heard lasting about four or five seconds.
    — Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In hearing their stories, Knopf came to realize that none had ever really learned how to teach children to read.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of hear
Verb
  • Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, which Belgrade still does not recognize.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Comedian, actor, and entertainer Bill Bellamy will be presented with the Icon Award at the 2026 Whats Funny Comedy Festival, recognizing his decades of excellence and impact on stand-up comedy and entertainment.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 11 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Catch on (to).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catch%20on%20%28to%29. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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