cottoned (to or on to)

verb

past tense of cotton (to or on to)
as in understood
to have a clear idea of failed to cotton on to the fact that her senatorial campaign was going nowhere

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cottoned (to or on to)
  1. understood
  2. knew
  3. deciphered
  4. recognized
  5. saw
  6. comprehended
  7. grasped
  8. appreciated
Verb
  • How these two investments caught fire can be understood in the context of several developments this week.
    — Michelle Chapman, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • As American record companies had long understood, these made London an ideal launchpad for pop-culture trends.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of understood
Verb
  • With the amount of firepower that Geneva graduated from last year’s lineup, senior forward Gabe Barwiolek knew the burden to score was going to fall upon his shoulders.
    — Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The grand jury said then-state Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office knew of the plans to divert the money.
    — Jim Vertuno, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of knew
Verb
  • Uncertainty notwithstanding, the longevity world has glommed onto the notion that the vaginal microbiome is some kind of exotic tealeaf that can be deciphered—and perfected by purchasing the right supplements.
    — Sarah DiGregorio, Vanity Fair, 27 July 2026
  • Its successor script, Linea B, was also a mystery until it was deciphered in 1952 by an amateur linguist and cryptographer Michael Ventris with the help of classicist John Chadwick, both building on patterns in the script first identified by classicist Alice Kober.
    — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 23 June 2026
Definition of deciphered
Verb
  • Many university students have turned the ROI factor into the pursuit of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers, and many of the top ranking schools were recognized for their STEM programs.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The attempt to rename the gulf, which has gone by the same name since the 16th Century, drew international opposition, and numerous media outlets vowed to stick with the common and internationally recognized usage.
    — Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of recognized
Verb
  • In the book, Covey tells the story of a man relentlessly sawing down a tree.
    — Tony Gambill, Forbes.com, 2 June 2026
  • Jordan Walker, sawed off by a 96 mph sinker, lined out softly.
    — Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 19 Apr. 2026
Definition of saw
Verb
  • The frames keep changing regardless of how much the viewer has noticed or comprehended.
    — Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
  • The company expects a little more of an impact in its Q2, but Cook said it’s fully comprehended in the above Street outlook of 48% to 49%.
    — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
Definition of comprehended
Verb
  • Ashton Daniels, who started his career at Stanford and then appeared in four games at Auburn last season, has quickly grasped the offense, according to every testimonial delivered by teammates and FSU offensive coaches since the spring.
    — Andre C. Fernandez, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
  • By the Monitor's Editorial Board Five years ago this month, as the last United States forces withdrew from Afghanistan, the Taliban grasped the reins of government and have kept a tight hold on them since.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of grasped
Verb
  • It’s always appreciated to lend a helping hand if needed, but don’t feel obligated to lead the planning.
    — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Veteran safety Kevin Byard, who is Gonzalez’s locker mate, has appreciated Gonzalez’s approach with the star’s contract being one of the main storylines of camp.
    — Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of appreciated
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

cottoned (to)
cottoned (to or on to)
cottoning (to)
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Cite this Entry

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

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