Definition of comprehendnext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word comprehend distinct from other similar verbs?

The words appreciate and understand are common synonyms of comprehend. While all three words mean "to have a clear or complete idea of," comprehend may stress the process of coming to grips with something intellectually.

I have trouble comprehending your reasons for doing this

When is it sensible to use appreciate instead of comprehend?

While the synonyms appreciate and comprehend are close in meaning, appreciate implies a just evaluation or judgment of a thing's value or nature.

failed to appreciate the risks involved

How are the words understand and comprehend related?

Both understand and comprehend are very often interchangeable, with understand sometimes stressing the fact of having attained a firm mental grasp of something.

orders that were fully understood and promptly obeyed

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of comprehend Baidu’s Li lauds AI’s potential for drug discovery, imaging proteins and treatments down to the molecular level to fully comprehend the structure of cancers and tumors. Charlie Campbell, Time, 11 Dec. 2025 By integrating with enterprise workflows, AI is able to comprehend code, docs, and create a holistic, up to date understanding of any organization. Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2025 Can't comprehend this is reality. Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025 This has been made worse by recent life events and changes that Mike can’t comprehend. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for comprehend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comprehend
Verb
  • Even though just three can alert to an emergency, many more are needed to understand what is behind those emergencies.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Those specifics aside, more stunningly, researchers discovered that these brave, early explorers of new worlds demonstrated a different way of moving than had been previously understood.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Elordi played Frankenstein's monster — known as the Creature — in this adaptation of the story, and he was also nominated at the Globes for his performance.
    Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Other birds might have imprinted on humans and do not know how to hunt their own food.
    Beth Lipoff, Kansas City Star, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The concepts making their debut range from Kwame Onwuachi’s take on Caribbean cuisine in Las Vegas to Francesco Martucci bringing his pizza prowess to fine dining in Miami—and everything in between, encompassing a wide variety of flavors, heritages, and more.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 11 Jan. 2026
  • During the early days of 2026, users on X popularized a word that encompasses why social media can feel just so annoying these days.
    CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • So, the thinking went, every costume, prop, and line reading is there for a reason, infinite symbolism scattered across the frame for anyone determined enough to decipher it.
    Lane Brown, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2025
  • By building out a picture of the whales’ health, habits and diet, researchers are deciphering the many ways humans impact their lives and guiding conservation actions that may mean life or death for the orcas.
    Kelso Harper, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Molinaro’s visit will include a ride on the Blue Line and a roundtable with local officials and business leaders, according to Cagle.
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026
  • All programs — including athletics, community education and adult education — are cancelled Thursday and Friday.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Americans can understand complex information and grasp the importance of watching trend lines.
    Deborah L. Birx, STAT, 5 Jan. 2026
  • Ideological innovation within the movement has only accelerated since 2016, leaving political scientists, pundits, and an elite liberal public struggling to grasp MAGA both past and present.
    Jason Blakely, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Dominique could hardly contain himself in his seat.
    Mirin Fader, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Some fruit pits and seeds, like those in apples and pears, contain traces of cyanide, which is harmful to birds.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Learning the different personalities, learning how the job is impacting, recognizing when there's changes in personalities requires you to be invested in them, to be around them.
    Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
  • In addition to his directing prowess, Reiner's skills as an actor were recognized by the Golden Globes in the past.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Comprehend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comprehend. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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