as in knowing
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 cottoning (to or on to)
Verb
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Rip currents are formidable natural forces, but knowing how to react can significantly increase your chances of safely navigating these challenging waters.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Oct. 2025 -
Best to go into the film not knowing.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
For executives rallying employees around strategy or transformation, understanding these perceptions is critical.—
Jason Del Rey,
Fortune,
15 Oct. 2025
-
The findings mark a crucial advance in understanding how human life begins, and how it might be repaired.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Though historians have called for further research before making claims, the proposal of a script rooted in sign language might open the chance to explore a new way of deciphering Mayan art and show the ancient civilization to be even more sophisticated and efficient than scholars even knew.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Sep. 2025
-
Now, a team of international astronomers has succeeded in deciphering the gravitational wave signal, GW190412, to determine more about the collision and the resulting event that sent an infant black hole hurtling through space.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Delhi has been consistently prioritizing cold interests over all else—engaging with the junta in Myanmar, refraining from openly criticizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, engaging both Iran and Israel, and getting closer toward recognizing the Taliban as Afghanistan’s official government.—
Happymon Jacob,
Time,
16 Oct. 2025
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The rebels had a scant chance of recognizing him.—
Danny Makki,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Bushman found that sense of victimization is unique to American culture and the current generation’s addiction to media, while seeing little connection to low self-esteem in the attackers.—
John Scott Lewinski,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Oct. 2025
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The wildlife group checked on the koala, but seeing no signs of distress, left it to its own devices, according to the outlet.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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According to the Migration Policy Institute, more than 230,000 Coloradans have difficulty comprehending and communicating in English.—
Micki Olson,
The Conversation,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The way humanity finally got to the level of ChatGPT was not by comprehending intelligence well enough to craft an intelligent mind.—
Nate Soares,
The Atlantic,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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There are also cameras in each hand's palm to help with grasping tasks and the processor can handle large visual data flows in complex real-world surroundings.—
David Szondy
October 09,
New Atlas,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Each leg features six DoF, while the arms and waist contribute additional mobility, allowing Oli to perform fluid, human-like movements such as bending, reaching, and grasping with natural coordination.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Our expert, Tom Gideon, gave them a great review, appreciating their comfortable fit and bright sound.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Everybody’s appreciating it for its filmic quality.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Cottoning (to or on to).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cottoning%20%28to%20or%20on%20to%29. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
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