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 Knowing the origins of the solar wind near the Sun is the first step towards comprehending its effects, according to NASA. Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 14 July 2025 Part of the reason this can be so challenging to comprehend is because of the way the universe is described in the language of mathematics. Rob Coyne, Space.com, 13 July 2025 As the park’s main gamekeeper, Muldoon can comprehend the mind of the dinosaurs, similarly to how the worldly archer picks up the way other cultures communicate with each other. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 2 July 2025 The idea of having six kids was incredibly exciting but also terrifying to comprehend. Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for comprehend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comprehend
Verb
  • His attorneys have argued that Brown appears not to be competent for trial and cannot factually understand the capital murder case against him.
    Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
  • His office looks at the business' activities to understand what will take place on site.
    Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • The lawyers did not agree on what should be released since Kiser's legal team argued for the public to know less about the investigation, Kelley said.
    Elena Santa Cruz, AZCentral.com, 31 July 2025
  • August’s full moon is traditionally known as the Sturgeon Moon, named after the giant lake sturgeon, once abundant in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain.
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • Known for a deep, authoritarian bass voice that could have been used to voice movie trailers — and for his constant companion, his walking stick — Davis’ tenure encompassed an evolution of Chicago politics over nearly a half century in public life.
    Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025
  • Rubin had been touring with Nine Inch Nails since 2009, a tenure that encompassed the band’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2020, in which he was included.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • Often when playing against Macdonald’s defense, which is tricky to decipher because of all the post-snap rotations and disguised pressures, the right play is to check it down to a running back or tight end, take 3 or 4 yards and move to the next play.
    Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 27 July 2025
  • Obtaining laboratory research experience in Miami impressed on me the power of science to decipher the mechanisms of life and improve human health.
    Seth Tomchik, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • What's included Digital plans Digital + Print Daily digital access Android and IOS apps Subscriber-exclusive content Digital subscription to share The eNewspaper — a digital replica of the print newspaper.
    Austin American Statesman, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • Other menu items include wraps, flatbreads and salads.
    Jordyn Noennig, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • The above is something that Shupe somewhat uniquely grasps.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • When exposed to body temperatures, these needles interlock with each other and grasp onto the tissue surface that the platform is in contact with.
    Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • The initial headline in the story contained incorrect information .
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 25 July 2025
  • Her rental car, containing her suitcase and all of her belongings, is towed.
    Jacqueline Tempera, People.com, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Regardless of the era, recognizing the craft’s origins is important to understanding its evolution.
    Mark LaSota, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
  • Israel, which is a full member of the U.N., is currently recognized by around 165 U.N. member states.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Comprehend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comprehend. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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