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 Lee recommended that the couple seek professional help in couples therapy to understand what's happening and to learn the skills to change their behavior. Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025 To better understand ride safety in general, in 2023, USA TODAY spoke with Wahl and Jim Seay, president and owner of Premier Rides and past chair of ASTM's Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices and the IAAPA Global Safety Committee. Eve Chen, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025 Just why this might be is neither understood nor studied. Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025 Unfortunately, not everybody understands that, notably the president of the United States, who saw Kirk’s murder as a reason to blame his opponents on the left. Carl Leubsdorf, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for understand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understand
Verb
  • Both members are known to hold their votes during many large, contentious votes in an effort to get more spending cuts.
    Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 21 Sep. 2025
  • As people now know, there was a quarter percentage point (also known as 25 basis points) interest rate cut.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Nakase Guides Golden State WNBA Debut Golden State’s inaugural season was further recognized when head coach Natalie Nakase won the 2025 WNBA Coach of the Year Award.
    Roberta F. Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
  • The award is voted on by Dodger players and coaches and recognizes the player who exemplifies the spirit and leadership of Campanella.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Davis also explains that her appreciation for the Loungefly designs derives from her childhood, sharing that her father is an artist and set designer, and her mother was an interior designer.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Carbon dioxide is largely derived from the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil or gas.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The horror and the barbarism here is hard to even comprehend.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025
  • According to the Migration Policy Institute, more than 230,000 Coloradans have difficulty comprehending and communicating in English.
    Micki Olson, The Conversation, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Now, a team of international astronomers has succeeded in deciphering the gravitational wave signal, GW190412, to determine more about the collision and the resulting event that sent an infant black hole hurtling through space.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
  • As scientists decipher them, there’s one particular feedback loop that has come to dominate the conversation.
    Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But Harold gets on famously with Duke William, at least until the Norman warlord decides to assert his claim to the English throne.
    Will Collins, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The president on Tuesday again pushed back applying a ban on the app, which had been decided under his predecessor Joe Biden.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Listing agent Gary McEnerney of Game Realty is one of those who appreciates it.
    David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Desert Diamond Arena code of conduct Guests will respect and appreciate one another.
    Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The recent history of the building reflects a shift in how some leaders think about the homelessness crisis.
    Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Sep. 2025
  • Domínguez then thought for a moment, staring off before correcting himself.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Understand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understand. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

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