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

catches on (to)

verb

present tense third-person singular of catch on (to)

as in realizes

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

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as in knows

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

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catches on (to)

Verb

From a distance, the organization can look stable because a few dependable people are doing more than anyone realizes.

— Brian Eason, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026
The film starts on an unexpectedly rainy day, when the family realizes they’re sealed into their house with no way of opening or smashing through the doors or windows.

— William Earl, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of realizes

Verb

Directed by Bai Xue, the crowd-pleasing drama, released in China last month, stars Yeoh as a septuagenarian who discovers a late-life gift for speedcubing, or competitive puzzle-solving.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026
Ackles’ soap opera past was referenced in an episode of his show Supernatural, where his character enters a parallel universe and discovers himself to be former daytime soap star Jensen Ackles.

— Dylan Kickham, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of discovers

Verb

Questions remain about exactly how transits through the strait will be managed and whether Washington and its allies will agree to any new arrangement that sees Hormuz jointly controlled by Iran and Oman.

— Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Mekai, when Kanan goes to Raq’s house and sees her body on the floor, what was that like for you?

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of sees

Verb

Despite some of the sticking points that remain unresolved, the emerging deal still recognizes Iran’s authority over the strait.

— Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Aug. 2026
Julissa Hernandez, legislative liaison for the district, said LAUSD recognizes the Silver Platter’s history but is still concerned about a late-night, alcohol-serving establishment adjacent to multiple schools.

— Isaac Vargas, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of recognizes

Verb

Qualcomm’s chip can run Linux, along with Arduino software, and can even do computer vision, which deciphers what a camera sees and translates it into software.

— Kif Leswing, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2025
With that base knowledge and his opponent’s game tape, Nolan analyzes wide receiver alignments and deciphers the offense's attack.

— Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 18 Sep. 2025

Definition of deciphers

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.

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catches one's eye

catches on (to)

catches up

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“Catches on (to).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catches%20on%20%28to%29. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of catches on (to)

verb

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