1
as in derives
to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information
as I understand it, this is the best plan that we have
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in knows
to have a practical understanding of
I think I understand how an engine works now
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in recognizes
to have a clear idea of
after a few weeks in Russia I began to understand the language a little bit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of understands
Four decades after Airheads’ release in 1986, Steffen understands why generations of people have nostalgia for the colorful candy.
—
Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
But the Forest head coach understands the bigger picture.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
At 63, less than five years removed from a heart attack that nearly ended his life, the actor understands exactly what his body is capable of.
—Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
A student who understands how to open a bank account, build credit or evaluate a loan is better positioned to pursue higher education, start a business or purchase a home.
—Brian Walter, Baltimore Sun, 14 Apr. 2026
Jim Parsons, too, understands the assignment as Rose's gold-digging mother, as do our adorably charming Jack Dawson (Rousouli) and hilariously uppity Cal (John Riddle).
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026
An assistant who understands the individual’s unique constraints and remembers their preferences.
—Jarrod Martin, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026
The exercise and nutrition community understands that runners need to fuel their miles and weightlifters need protein for a healthy recovery.
—William Jones, Ascend Agency, 13 Apr. 2026
Be willing to ask others what works for them, because harmony grows when everyone understands the terms.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026
Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
But the Forest head coach understands the bigger picture.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
At 63, less than five years removed from a heart attack that nearly ended his life, the actor understands exactly what his body is capable of.
—Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026
A student who understands how to open a bank account, build credit or evaluate a loan is better positioned to pursue higher education, start a business or purchase a home.
—Brian Walter, Baltimore Sun, 14 Apr. 2026
Jim Parsons, too, understands the assignment as Rose's gold-digging mother, as do our adorably charming Jack Dawson (Rousouli) and hilariously uppity Cal (John Riddle).
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026
An assistant who understands the individual’s unique constraints and remembers their preferences.
—Jarrod Martin, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026
The exercise and nutrition community understands that runners need to fuel their miles and weightlifters need protein for a healthy recovery.
—William Jones, Ascend Agency, 13 Apr. 2026
Be willing to ask others what works for them, because harmony grows when everyone understands the terms.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understands
Verb
-
But the success of the fool of the family derives from his occasionally discerning what others miss, most notably by attention to the concerns of the lower middle class, which determines American elections despite having few representatives of its own in Washington.—
George Liebmann,
Baltimore Sun,
11 Apr. 2026
-
However, the Irish/Anglo-Norman version derives from Honora, which comes from the Latin word honor.—
Erica Jackson Curran,
Parents,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This Gulf Coast town knows how to turn on the charm for everyone, from artists to bird-watchers to anglers.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Ice Spice knows her way around a fast-food joint.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
His award recognizes his contributions to settle several questions in differential geometry that had puzzled mathematicians since the 1970s and 1980s.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Because the Vertigo is something everybody who lives here recognizes as central to a sort of framework of Los Angeles.—
Julissa James,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Elle Fanning stars as Margo Millet, an aspiring writer who decides to make money fast via OnlyFans; Pfeiffer and Nick Offerman play her parents, a former Hooters waitress and an ex-pro wrestler.—
Savannah Salazar,
Vulture,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Chandler Levack‘s new film is structured like a Russian nesting doll of roommate stories, as the two girls are confronted by a guidance counselor who decides to tell them another story of freshman year roommates who didn’t get along at first.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In the end, A Guardian and a Thief is a story that comprehends hunger more deeply than the world that produces it.—
Tope Folarin,
The Atlantic,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Jerry thinks this move will drive a wedge between Reggie — who left the sport after a gambling scandal and as a result has never gotten proper recognition for his prowess on the field — and Rusty, who only ever attempted 12 field goals, two of which hit children in the face.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
14 Apr. 2026
-
JPMorgan thinks that’s surprising given the margin upside the company could realize as commodity prices surge.—
Davis Giangiulio,
CNBC,
14 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
And Ware appreciates Smith’s support.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Apr. 2026
-
For anyone who appreciates comfort food done right — the kind of no-frills, generous cooking that defines great food cities — this is the place to dig in.—
Lauren Schuster,
Kansas City Star,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Each cocktail is purposefully crafted, bridging flavors as with a slow-sipper featuring a split whiskey base sees bitter orange, curry leaf, and a bath of hickory smoke paired with the kitchen’s tender rogan josh shank, snappy papadum, and other hits.—
Chris Malloy,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 Apr. 2026
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Overlooking Year-Round Appeal Another mistake Miller sees is forgetting to plant for visual interest throughout the year.—
Erica Browne Grivas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understands.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understands. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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