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
The tool could, for example, let patients ask for more details about a diagnosis, better understand likely next steps in their care or get information on preventative care.
—
Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
Orcutt and Fratti understand each other, and their collaboration might be the most relaxed, generous music either has made.
—Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 2 June 2026
The investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the drowning is ongoing, officials said.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026
Instead of launching apps and navigating menus, users interact directly with AI assistants that can access information, understand context, and perform tasks across connected services.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for understand
Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 2 June 2026
Orcutt and Fratti understand each other, and their collaboration might be the most relaxed, generous music either has made.
—Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 2 June 2026
The investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the drowning is ongoing, officials said.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026
Instead of launching apps and navigating menus, users interact directly with AI assistants that can access information, understand context, and perform tasks across connected services.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for understand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understand
Verb
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Videos of climbers waiting in long queues in an area known as the death zone – where the air is too thin to breathe unaided for long – on their way to the summit have once again made headlines, alongside record-breaking ascents from both Nepali and foreign climbers.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
5 June 2026
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The way Daniel and Jackie get to know each other feels more authentic than genuine, navigating playful bonding moments as well as their own personal hang-ups.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
5 June 2026
Verb
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In December, Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland, and the UAE maintains an expansive commercial and military presence in the port city of Berbera.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
5 June 2026
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Our partners recognize that local journalism and an informed citizenry are foundational for our society.—
Steve Coffman
June 4,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 June 2026
Verb
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Soccer derives its beauty from its simplicity.—
Leander Schaerlaeckens
June 8,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
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These facilities derive at least 20% of their revenue from Medicaid and related programs and have been operating at a loss.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
Verb
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That’s certainly true, in the sense that entanglements among ancient, telepathic beings play out on a time scale us humans struggle to comprehend.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
7 June 2026
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The immensity of the body of water, which resembles an 186-mile vericose vein snaking across southern Utah, is difficult to comprehend or convey.—
Elise Schmelzer,
Denver Post,
7 June 2026
Verb
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Armed with an adventure kit, participants are summoned to a secret location where they’re tasked with deciphering cryptic codes, uncovering hidden symbols, navigating shifting alliances and outwit enemies and operatives stationed around the campus.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
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Immigration experts who were trying to decipher the news said the memo was more nuanced, leading to confusion over what the change actually entailed.—
Rebecca Santana,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2026
Verb
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Thai diver Kengkard Bongkawong told CNN that while the goal is still to rescue the group, an upcoming meeting will decide whether the team should first work together to evacuate them or if the rescuers should split into two groups, with one continuing the search for those unaccounted for.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
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Hulst and Toomey decided to withdraw from the mile at the State meet.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
Verb
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Now Crosswhite can acknowledge the beauty in the art, respect the workers who crafted the carvings, and appreciate the opportunity to tell a story larger than the monument itself.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
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Above and beyond, make this a period for living in the moment and appreciating the beauty that the universe is offering you.—
Kyle Thomas,
PEOPLE,
7 June 2026
Verb
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The chances of 3-star Mississippi tackle DJ Dotson choosing UGA are higher than most think.—
Jeff Sentell,
AJC.com,
29 May 2026
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My daughter calls me a creative engineer, someone who spends her life creatively thinking about ways to provide live experiences that offer joy and beauty, or maybe more importantly, that challenge us to see things differently.—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understand. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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