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
Part of your work is testing the drug supply — understanding the safety of what is being bought and sold on the street.
—
Dan Gorenstein, NPR, 29 July 2025
Now that the larvae are in place, organizers plan to conduct extensive monitoring for several years to understand how and where the oysters affect the marine ecosystem.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 July 2025
Considering the players who actually hit the market and an even smaller number who would have probably been interested in the Blackhawks, fans seemed to understand Davidson’s quiet offseason.
—Scott Powers, New York Times, 29 July 2025
This level of analysis allows researchers to understand people by metabolic subtype and tailor treatment to match.
—Jia Jung, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for understand
Dan Gorenstein, NPR, 29 July 2025
Now that the larvae are in place, organizers plan to conduct extensive monitoring for several years to understand how and where the oysters affect the marine ecosystem.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 July 2025
Considering the players who actually hit the market and an even smaller number who would have probably been interested in the Blackhawks, fans seemed to understand Davidson’s quiet offseason.
—Scott Powers, New York Times, 29 July 2025
This level of analysis allows researchers to understand people by metabolic subtype and tailor treatment to match.
—Jia Jung, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for understand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understand
Verb
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The lawyers did not agree on what should be released since Kiser's legal team argued for the public to know less about the investigation, Kelley said.—
Elena Santa Cruz,
AZCentral.com,
31 July 2025
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Ford’s traditional business operations, known as Ford Blue, earned $661 million in the quarter compared with $1.17 billion in the year-ago quarter.—
Jamie L. LaReau,
Freep.com,
31 July 2025
Verb
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Regardless of the era, recognizing the craft’s origins is important to understanding its evolution.—
Mark LaSota,
Forbes.com,
27 July 2025
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France also announced this week that the country will recognize Palestine as a state.—
Claire Malon,
Chicago Tribune,
26 July 2025
Verb
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Once a cult product known for its use in aiding hair growth through scalp massage, castor oil — a natural oil derived from castor seeds — is now sweeping the beauty-sphere with its many uses and purported benefits.—
Tanya Akim,
Forbes.com,
30 July 2025
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In 2018, the FDA declared the herb, derived from an Asian evergreen tree, an opioid.—
Sarah Owermohle,
CNN Money,
29 July 2025
Verb
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There are two approaches to achieve this: comprehend the historical odds and position yourself prior to the earnings release, or analyze the correlation between immediate and medium-term returns following the earnings announcement and adjust your positions accordingly afterward.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
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But how much human language do dogs truly comprehend—and what are the limits?—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 July 2025
Verb
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Often when playing against Macdonald’s defense, which is tricky to decipher because of all the post-snap rotations and disguised pressures, the right play is to check it down to a running back or tight end, take 3 or 4 yards and move to the next play.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
27 July 2025
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Obtaining laboratory research experience in Miami impressed on me the power of science to decipher the mechanisms of life and improve human health.—
Seth Tomchik,
Sun Sentinel,
24 July 2025
Verb
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This summer, the RFEF decided to base the team in Lausanne, a beautiful city with a lake in the centre of Switzerland, close to all venues.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
28 July 2025
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Elections in Kentucky have more frequently been decided in the primary, rather than the general election, as the state continues its rightward shift.—
Hannah Pinski,
The Courier-Journal,
28 July 2025
Verb
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Youngman also appreciated the ease of cooking thanks to premade sauces, stocks, and herb blends—and precut vegetables.—
Alaina Chou,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
22 July 2025
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Many travelers also appreciate the elevated look of leather.—
Talia Ergas,
Travel + Leisure,
22 July 2025
Verb
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Here are other things that came out of Engelbert’s availability: Engelbert said the WNBA is thinking about expanding its future scheduling footprint as well as the number of games played in upcoming seasons.—
Ben Pickman,
New York Times,
20 July 2025
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Why do otherwise well-mannered people think open-mouth chewing is socially acceptable?—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
20 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understand. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
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