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

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

Funen is a historic spot known for its 123 castles and estates, and Odense is particularly lovely, with characterful old streets, lush greenery, and inspiring museums that add to its charm.

— Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
What was once known as Westport Middle School opened in 1924 and closed in 2009.

— Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of know

Verb

Attendees will also learn about LGBTQ+ history in Charlotte and discover ways to stay involved in their communities.

— Evan Moore August 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
The district attorney’s office’s community integrity unit discovered the Brady rule violation, according to a news release from the office.

— Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of discover

Verb

Instead of diluting its elite credibility to reach a broader audience, the brand translated that credibility into environments where the average person could understand its every day relevance.

— Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Even more unnerving than the sheer volume is how little the impact is understood and accounted for.

— Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026

Definition of understand

Verb

Wednesday's meeting saw more than 60 members of the public address the AQMD board to explain how the ongoing situation has affected them.

— Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Washington hasn’t seen a race like this since Thomas Jefferson helped mark America’s 25th birthday on July 4, 1801.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 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

At night, Ghaida hears Israeli drones overhead, despite the ceasefire.

— Ava Bambuck, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Sarah Miller, a software engineer from the liberal stronghold of Madison, has heard all of the chatter about a civil war in the Democratic Party between progressives and moderates.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of hear

Verb

Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards recognized several standout properties, with Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico, earning the top spot among international wellness retreats for more than a decade.

— Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2026
The family’s case was rejected — despite being first and second generation, and despite Pedro Monasterios and his children having been recognized as citizens just a few years earlier.

— Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 4 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

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Catch on (to).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catch%20on%20%28to%29. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of catch on (to)

verb

Example Sentences

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