COTTON (TO OR ON TO) Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

cotton (to or on to)

verb

Definition of cotton (to or on to)

as in to know

to have a clear idea of failed to cotton on to the fact that her senatorial campaign was going nowhere

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for cotton (to or on to)

Verb

Thames Valley officers in February arrested the former prince, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, on suspicion of misconduct in public office based on information released in the Epstein Files.

— Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
Stockhausen, never known for the nuance of his public pronouncements, was nonetheless not wrong to identify Aphex Twin’s debt to an African-diasporic rhythmic tradition.

— Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of know

Verb

The findings could help scientists understand how electrons behave under intense electric fields and develop new ways to control electronic materials using light.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
Most state lawmakers understand this, but some pivotal decisions are being made by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

— Max Harden, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of understand

Verb

Bahdanau was working with artificial neural networks, which had already shown promise in pattern-recognition tasks such as deciphering handwriting and identifying objects in photos.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026
In addition to developing better medicines or perfumes, deciphering the mirror images of molecules can help scientists understand the chemical architecture of life, said chemist Holden Thorp, editor-in-chief of the journal Science.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of decipher

Verb

Support for Question 3 recognizes that Maryland cannot ignore a national effort to consolidate Republican power and hope the consequences pass us by.

— Dylan Behler, Baltimore Sun, 1 Nov. 2026
While the Burton Cummings Theatre recognized and addressed the issue, Howk says that outcome is the exception, far from the rule.

— Maribeth Romslo, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of recognize

Verb

In a series of videos posted across social media, Basabe can be seen raising his voice, holding his cellphone in people’s faces and engaging in tense conversations while campaigning.

— Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
And provided the House flips Democratic, Republicans could see a procession of impeachment trials for Cabinet members — and perhaps even the president.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of see

Verb

Understanding how these elements work together can help homeowners read and comprehend their tax bills and better plan for one of the biggest ongoing costs of owning a home, next to the mortgage payment.

— Elizabeth Jane Beckett-Camarata, The Conversation, 30 Oct. 2026
Infinite Jasons • MacNamara is so far from comprehending the box that his Jason looked utterly bored by his questions.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of comprehend

Verb

Even someone actively avoiding the trend cycle can appreciate a new way to wear their sweater vest and white button-down shirt.

— Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2026
Some participants appreciate the light-hearted and good-natured humor, expressing gratitude and finding it timely and amusing.

— Edith Pritchett, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of appreciate

Verb

For example, an item may be hard to grasp, a customer may block a robot’s route, or an unexpected request may interrupt an ongoing task.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
Keeping desire alive means choosing pursuits that can never be finished – a craft, a field of study, a relationship – and letting the gap between reaching and grasping stay open.

— Stacy Keltner, The Conversation, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of grasp

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

cotton (to)

cotton (to or on to)

cottony

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“Cotton (to or on to).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cotton%20%28to%20or%20on%20to%29. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of cotton (to or on to)

verb

Example Sentences

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