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
Talarico clearly understands the task ahead.
—
Philip Elliott, Time, 4 Mar. 2026
Variety understands that Finan will play Spragg’s husband Ralph Marvell, a significant role in the film.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 4 Mar. 2026
And some of the roles are becoming much more specialized, finding a PhD who speaks French and understands physics as well.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 3 Mar. 2026
As a critic, however, Anderson understands and wields this response well.
—Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
The show understands the gravity of this moment.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
Afonin said felt he was being kicked out, but understands why the changes were made.
—Steve Maugeri
march 2, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
Having been a part of it in 2023, Mendoza understands why.
—Abbey Mastracco, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2026
Deadline understands a second window deal in France will be announced soon and advanced discussions are underway with other territories.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2026
Philip Elliott, Time, 4 Mar. 2026
Variety understands that Finan will play Spragg’s husband Ralph Marvell, a significant role in the film.
—Alex Ritman, Variety, 4 Mar. 2026
And some of the roles are becoming much more specialized, finding a PhD who speaks French and understands physics as well.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 3 Mar. 2026
As a critic, however, Anderson understands and wields this response well.
—Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
The show understands the gravity of this moment.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026
Afonin said felt he was being kicked out, but understands why the changes were made.
—Steve Maugeri
march 2, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026
Having been a part of it in 2023, Mendoza understands why.
—Abbey Mastracco, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2026
Deadline understands a second window deal in France will be announced soon and advanced discussions are underway with other territories.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understands
Verb
-
Shellac derives from the resinous material secreted by the lac bug, much like honey comes from a bee.—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Iran derives its power from an effective intelligence service that exploits the weakness of its neighbors, a ballistic missile program that holds every country in the region at risk and a network of militia proxies.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
1 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Shakespeare’s fierce and primal tragedy follows the celebrated warrior who knows how to conquer enemies but not how to win hearts.—
Cincinnati Enquirer,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Miller also pointed to Miami switching things up, but knows that can’t be an excuse.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The award recognizes those who support the foundation’s mission to allow students to develop to their full potential as artists, scholars, and citizens, and to provide equitable access to arts education at the Boston Arts Academy.—
Joe Dwinell,
Boston Herald,
8 Mar. 2026
-
The American-Statesman's 2026 All-Central Texas Wrestling Team recognizes outstanding achievements this season.—
Rick Cantu,
Austin American Statesman,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
If another team decides to make that offer, don’t expect the Cowboys to panic and reset their offer.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Greg decides to shake off the monotony of his life by taking a position as Writer in Residence at the prestigious (fictional) Ludlow College.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
5 Mar. 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
-
But on that note, Riley thinks talk of USC’s youth movement overlooks how many talented players are returning.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
-
If a doctor thinks a patient may have endometriosis, the decision to perform a laparoscopy should be discussed together.—
Kristen Fischer,
Health,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The goal of any investor is to identify undervalued opportunities and get in before everyone else uncovers or appreciates that value.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
4 Mar. 2026
-
At Twinpalms Surin Beach Phuket, a resort known for its water gardens and signature scent, the housekeeping team appreciates the simple gesture of hanging up damp items.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The women’s proposition sees quarter-zips (a key trend of the season, popularized by Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel runway), polo tops, tees and shirts of many kinds, colors and finishes–short- and long-sleeve–with generous use of checks and stripes.—
Alice Cary,
Vogue,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The ability for chatbots to ask follow-up questions and elicit key details from users is one area where Wachter sees room for improvement.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understands.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understands. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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