1
as in to know
to have a practical understanding of
I think I understand how an engine works now
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to recognize
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
3
as in to derive
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of understand
Although the outside world might not always understand our relationship, this is my real family.
—
Amy Sheehan, Parents, 3 Mar. 2026
But understanding even a handful of these features can dramatically improve your travel experience — saving you money, earning you more miles, and making your time in the air significantly more comfortable.
—Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 3 Mar. 2026
Western governments must understand this dynamic.
—Jalil Pakray, Sun Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026
As a critic, however, Anderson understands and wields this response well.
—Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understand
Amy Sheehan, Parents, 3 Mar. 2026
But understanding even a handful of these features can dramatically improve your travel experience — saving you money, earning you more miles, and making your time in the air significantly more comfortable.
—Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 3 Mar. 2026
Western governments must understand this dynamic.
—Jalil Pakray, Sun Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026
As a critic, however, Anderson understands and wields this response well.
—Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understand
Verb
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Flagg, known for his competitive nature, talked about the most difficult part of not being able to play alongside his teammates.—
Mike Curtis,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Mar. 2026
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New York — For months, investors and analysts have kept a close eye on the shadowy corner of finance known as private credit, where alarm bells have stoked fears of a repeat of the 2008 financial crisis.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Before the wedding, Carolyn had resigned from her job at Calvin Klein, recognizing that her newfound fame was becoming more of a hindrance than a help.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
6 Mar. 2026
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A lot of people don’t see working at an escape room as something worthy of being recognized.—
Cerys Davies,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Valerian supplements are derived from the roots of Valeriana officinalis, a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia that has also naturalized in northeastern America, according to the American Botanical Council (ABC).—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
8 Mar. 2026
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They are derived from pop culture and sports.—
Sari Hitchins,
Parents,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Newhouse Wildlife Rescue put a banana next to the saw-whet owl to help people comprehend its tiny size.—
Breana Pitts,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2026
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There’s a theory, often debated online, that America is home to foods the European mind (and body) simply cannot comprehend.—
Liam Inscoe-Jones,
Pitchfork,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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No one had written them down, and the band had to listen to the few tapes that existed and try to decipher his words.—
Mark Richardson,
Pitchfork,
28 Feb. 2026
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Looking through the official tiebreaker rules, the American-Statesman has attempted to decipher the reasoning behind Texas State's seeding.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize.—
Staff Reports,
The Providence Journal,
7 Mar. 2026
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The judge asked Bruns, the government attorney, what standards are used to decide if a reporter poses a security risk.—
Michael Kunzelman,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The main challenge was to respect the centuries-old architecture while incorporating the midcentury French and Italian design pieces that the owners particularly appreciate.—
Nicolas Milon,
Architectural Digest,
8 Mar. 2026
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And the Royals appreciate the encouraging start.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In some regions, that means the actual sea level could be several meters higher, meaning millions more people are at risk of inundation than previously thought.—
Marcos Magaña,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
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Now, the speaker of the House thinks that bill went too far.—
Mark Dee
March 6,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understand. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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