Synonym Chooser

How is the word understand distinct from other similar verbs?

The words appreciate and comprehend are common synonyms of understand. While all three words mean "to have a clear or complete idea of," understand and comprehend are very often interchangeable, with understand sometimes stressing the fact of having attained a firm mental grasp of something.

orders that were fully understood and promptly obeyed

When is it sensible to use appreciate instead of understand?

The synonyms appreciate and understand are sometimes interchangeable, but appreciate implies a just evaluation or judgment of a thing's value or nature.

failed to appreciate the risks involved

Where would comprehend be a reasonable alternative to understand?

Although the words comprehend and understand have much in common, comprehend may stress the process of coming to grips with something intellectually.

I have trouble comprehending your reasons for doing this

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 understand Google understands this risk, which is why the mass commercial rollout of the autonomous vehicles has taken so long. Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 31 Oct. 2025 The new species moves the evolutionary clock on dyrosaurids back a few million years earlier than previously believed, an essential stepping stone in understanding crocodile evolution, Saber told McClatchy News in an email. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 31 Oct. 2025 To understand how both of those things can be true, consider the burrito. David Goldman, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025 People who love you understand. Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for understand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understand
Verb
  • The charitable organization funded by the Johnson & Johnson heiress is known for gifts to education, health and civic projects.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Also known as irritable hip, the condition is due to inflammation of the hip joint lining.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Lockhart was also the recipient of two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one recognizing her motion picture work, the other honoring her television career.
    Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Anguilla was also recognized by Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards as one of the top islands globally — and the highest-ranked in the Caribbean — earning praise for its friendly hospitality, diverse cuisine and luxury resorts.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As for Rivian’s path to profitability, McDonough noted cost savings derived from the launch of the second-generation R1 last year, and said the company will achieve further reductions with the R2.
    Jane Thier, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2025
  • The third touchdown is still the most telling, deriving purely from a relationship between quarterback and receiver.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This included their ability to understand and reason with language and the ability to visualize and comprehend objects and their relations in space.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Ashley was so stunned that she could be seen standing still for several seconds while trying to comprehend what was going on.
    Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Their job was to transmit secure battlefield communications that the enemy could not decipher.
    Tim Trudell, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
  • While expeditions in the early 1990s deciphered crucial insights into the ship’s final moments, one expedition drew sharp criticism after a crewman’s body was found.
    Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Earlier this year, the team decided to rebrand, choosing a name more in keeping with the brand's vision – and Fold was born.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Raised in a traditional Catholic home, Doty, out of economic necessity, had decided to pay off her debts by working in the adult entertainment industry, hoping the job would just be a temporary solution.
    Will Tizard, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Keep in mind, there are also often guest service perks available; Ali shares that visitors appreciate Langham’s butler suite services, which include unpacking, ironing, and arranging wardrobes for guests.
    Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Pokémon fans will appreciate Jhené Aiko's 2019 Halloween costume as Ash Ketchum, the franchise's protagonist.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Tianjin Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, and Rice University, the work could reshape how scientists think about pollution cleanup by looking closer at the tiniest details hidden in common minerals.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Adam Green, cofounder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, an influential left-leaning group, said Newsom has not set himself apart as someone average Americans think of as the authentic messenger who connects with a more positive vision for working people.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 3 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Understand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understand. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

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