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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Not everyone realizes how much political skill public health leaders must wield to win support for their solutions, Freeman says.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026
Instead, as Picard realizes he’s lived and now lost an entire lifetime, Stewart gives that episode an almost excruciating sense of tragedy and exhaustion.

— Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of realizes

Verb

There’s non-kaiju human death, too, including a flashback to the immediate aftermath of the Hiroshima bombing in which a bloodied grandfather discovers the charred remains of his daughter and grandson.

— James Grebey, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2026
The film follows a desperate mother who discovers an obscure collagen supplement that promises to transform her tween gymnast daughter into an influencer.

— Brent Lang, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of discovers

Verb

Additional pressures In reaching her own historic milestone as the first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft, Proctor understands that a historic moment like this carries not just incredible significance but a fair amount of personal pressure as well.

— Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 5 Nov. 2026
Still, Taiwan understands Washington’s determination to strengthen domestic semiconductor production and is willing to support that effort.

— LIN CHIA-LUNG, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of understands

Verb

What the viewer sees is how a GM’s decisions require expertise extending beyond straight analytical capability.

— Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 5 Nov. 2026
As King Olav Haraldsson wages a brutal campaign to unite Norway under one throne and one God, Aud, a gifted blacksmith, sees her world torn apart.

— Zac Ntim, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of sees

Verb

The Paley Honors Award recognizes landmark contributions to and enduring impact on the media industry, and its gala will feature a special tribute celebrating each honoree’s distinguished career and creative legacy.

— Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Now in its 13th year, the initiative recognizes rising talent across the screen industries, offering year-round career support, mentorship, networking opportunities and full BAFTA membership.

— Anna Tingley, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of recognizes

Verb

Due to censorship laws in Middle East, Variety hears that the scene in question — not critical but the source of much chatter — will have to be cut for it to be released.

— Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
Alan hears my plea and emerges from the shadows to invite the players to a nightcap and a deadly game with the Traitors.

— Alice Burton, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of hears

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.

Browse Nearby Words

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 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of catches on (to)

verb

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