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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cottoned (to or on to)
Verb
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Major decisions about land use, tax incentives, and infrastructure were largely finalized before most community members fully understood the project’s scale—which has also grown into a much larger build-out than originally planned.—
Sharon Goldman,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026 -
Halifax understood the ancient truth that, in politics, the lows are lower than the highs are high.—
David Brooks,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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During opening arguments, Mark Lanier presented the jury internal company documents from Meta and YouTube that showed tech executives knew of and discussed the negative effects of their products on children.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Meta has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years over its handling of child and teen safety, spurred in part by whistleblower testimony before Congress in 2021 that alleged the company knew its products could be harmful but refused to act.—
Diana Novak Jones,
USA Today,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, scientists identified the virus, deciphered its secrets, concocted a vaccine, put it into production, and rendered the disease manageable – all within a year.—
David Blumenthal,
Fortune,
24 Mar. 2026
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Researchers using advanced imaging technology have deciphered 79 previously invisible inscriptions — including love notes, drawings of gladiators, and everyday messages — on a wall in the ancient city of Pompeii, offering a rare window into the lives of ordinary people nearly 2,000 years ago.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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When Huston met Edwards during the 2026 NBA All Star Weekend, Edwards recognized Huston and even brought up the Rondo video.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Five months earlier, Johnson-Swartz had been recognized as one of seven finalists for the Colorado Teacher of the Year.—
Logan Smith,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Moving a blade back and forth to try to saw biscuits apart will make their layers stick (and ruin the rise).—
Ella Quittner,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
20 Mar. 2026
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Ruggeri says that, in comparison to saw palmetto, which gets far more attention.—
Adam Hurly,
Robb Report,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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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
Verb
-
Finland grasped this eight years ago.—
Andrew Rasiej,
New York Daily News,
22 Mar. 2026
-
The problem is that the general medical community, beyond nephrologists, hasn’t really grasped the extent of the problem.—
Tara Haelle,
Scientific American,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Gosman said that help is appreciated, but said the real solution is for the federal government to act.—
Nick Lunemann,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
-
Johnson appreciated the praise, but is focused on what's next for the Gamecocks.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Mar. 2026
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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 30 Mar. 2026.
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