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
Now, Martínez and her team intend to take samples from the underwater site to better understand the artifacts and pottery found there so far.
—
Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
Federal Shutdown Looms Even as meteorologists wait to understand these systems better, the federal government seems to be racing toward a shutdown, which will occur on October 1 if congressional leaders cannot agree on a funding measure before then.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 26 Sep. 2025
Willa and Prarie, meanwhile, are both skeptical of their fathers’ fears, but come to understand them as his past reemerges.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
That’s a quality Melville understands is important at the next level.
—Andrew Cornelius, Twin Cities, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understand
Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025
Federal Shutdown Looms Even as meteorologists wait to understand these systems better, the federal government seems to be racing toward a shutdown, which will occur on October 1 if congressional leaders cannot agree on a funding measure before then.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 26 Sep. 2025
Willa and Prarie, meanwhile, are both skeptical of their fathers’ fears, but come to understand them as his past reemerges.
—Andrew McGowan, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
That’s a quality Melville understands is important at the next level.
—Andrew Cornelius, Twin Cities, 26 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understand
Verb
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The Head and the Heart is an American indie folk band formed in Seattle who are known for their harmonious vocal blends and heartfelt lyrics.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
28 Sep. 2025
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According to Hays, who is representing Richard and Holly, no such conspiracy existed, and whether or not Richard and Holly knew whether the money went to boys’ ranches is irrelevant, since Baker’s case was focused on violating estray laws, not any financial motivation.—
Mitch Moxley,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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She was honored with the CBC Body Award, which recognizes an individual for their exceptional work in promoting policies and creating opportunities that support the empowerment of the Black community.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
28 Sep. 2025
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Since it’s widely recognized that this area of the plane doesn’t often get much love from cleaners, this genius tech organizer is the best alternative, hooking onto your tray table and providing pockets for your tablet, phone, headphones, and more.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Starting Thursday, Alaska plans to begin distributing to residents their annual dividend derived from the state’s $83 billion oil wealth fund, a sort of bonus that Alaskans get for living in the state.—
Becky Bohrer,
Fortune,
28 Sep. 2025
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Is derived from milk, meaning people with milk allergies can’t take whey protein.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Largely touted as one of the best games ever made, Hades has inspired many imitators, many of which only superficially comprehend the special alchemy of design elements that makes the indie actioner so effective.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
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Miller later said the same enemies can’t comprehend their strength, determination and passion.—
Ronald J. Hansen,
AZCentral.com,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Its strong first-week performance suggests there is, in fact, an audience hoping to decipher the mind of Ye all of these years later.—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
23 Sep. 2025
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Many of which have yet to be deciphered.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The fun begins as the other housewives arrive, unaware that the studio has decided to stage a role-playing scenario to test their readiness.—
Peter Larsen,
Oc Register,
27 Sep. 2025
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After Xaverian missed a go-ahead 36-yard field goal attempt to end the third, Staine decided to begin the fourth and final quarter with one of his signature Hail Mary shots.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Families traveling with a baby will appreciate the on-site Baby Concierge, who can arrange everything from a crib to organic pureed meals.—
Allison Tibaldi,
USA Today,
27 Sep. 2025
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Many shoppers appreciate the space heater’s safety features, too.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Gonzalez, the former National Security Council official, said senior policymakers thought that embassy staff were showing favoritism to Bukele, sending reports that minimized the growing crisis of democracy in El Salvador.—
T. Christian Miller,
ProPublica,
30 Sep. 2025
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Initially, the source was thought to be in an area between the football stadium and the high school’s dock area, but the gas utility determined that the leak was somewhere within the building.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understand. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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