as in misunderstanding
a failure to understand correctly
the anthropologist's apparent incomprehension of the ceremonial rites she describes in her book surprised reviewers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 incomprehension
At this point, armed with insights about labor, the commodity, and the money-form, the reader may be shedding any melancholy incomprehension—but can’t yet have arrived at angry lucidity.
—
Benjamin Kunkel, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
The piece, as is true of much of my reporting, grew from my own incomprehension and curiosity about what was going on.
—Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2025
Take it as an opportunity to practice sitting with your incomprehension and curiosity.
—Esther K. Choy, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024
Political polarization in this country is such that partisans look at each other with mutual incomprehension.
—Gary Langer, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for incomprehension
Benjamin Kunkel, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
The piece, as is true of much of my reporting, grew from my own incomprehension and curiosity about what was going on.
—Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2025
Take it as an opportunity to practice sitting with your incomprehension and curiosity.
—Esther K. Choy, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024
Political polarization in this country is such that partisans look at each other with mutual incomprehension.
—Gary Langer, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for incomprehension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incomprehension
misunderstanding
Noun
-
The poll also found widespread misunderstanding about how common lactose intolerance is.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Rooted in the quiet rhythms of Abu Dhabi life, this intimate Emirati short examines the fragile bond between a father and daughter navigating love, duty and misunderstanding.—
Essie Assibu,
Variety,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Incomprehension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incomprehension. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share