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 Instead, and as Fake News ABC fully knows and understands, this highly respected country is donating the plane to the United States Air Force/ Defense Department, AND NOT TO ME. Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 May 2025 Born with a rare bone disease, Eakin understood the importance of accessibility in her career. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 18 May 2025 Contacting your loan servicer is crucial to managing and understanding your student loans. Adriana Morga, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025 And most key is that Abby is part of something much larger, which Ellie and Dina do not understand going into this at all. Adam B. Vary, Variety, 5 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for understand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understand
Verb
  • Intended for both slim and puffy outerwear, the new material prevents the conglomeration of fibers and pushes the sustainability envelope further as it is entirely crafted from recycled fibers derived from post-consumer PET bottles.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 16 May 2025
  • Those terms derive from academic critical theory, with its emphasis on appropriation and indoctrination.
    Armond White, National Review, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Barnett is best known for his participation in the first season of Love Island USA, which premiered in 2019.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 20 May 2025
  • On May 9, a swarm of what are believed to be Africanized honey bees, also known as killer bees, attacked and killed three horses in Comanche, Texas, just about 50 miles southeast of Eastland.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • They were both recognized by the Recording Academy for Melodrama when it was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2018 Grammy Awards.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 15 May 2025
  • The Michigan governor’s comments on Biden come after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) was asked about the new book, which states that Biden did not recognize Hollywood icon George Clooney.
    Asher Notheis, The Washington Examiner, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • The Court found that the IRS was correct in its decision to revoke tax-exempt status, but the case was not decided until 1983.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • For now, he’s decided attending university is the best path, but opted to spend his first year of school in Rome to deepen his spirituality.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • For traders focused on events, comprehending these historical trends might provide a potential advantage.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • This special stamp serves as a lasting reminder of Barbara Bush's enduring love for family and friends, sharp wit and unwavering commitment to solve the problems of today by ensuring that every man, woman and child has the opportunity to read, write and comprehend.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Instead of administrators spending countless hours deciphering page after page of information and increasing risk of errors being made, AI agents are powering document capture for a better, more efficient way to work.
    Navaneeth Nair, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • In early May, the Vesuvius Challenge announced that contestants Marcel Roth and Micha Nowak, computer scientists at Germany’s University of Würzburg, would receive $60,000 for deciphering the title.
    Ellen Wexler, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Here’s a look at the cast, then and now Maggie (Missy Peregrym) and Isobel, who was initially thought dead in the explosion that killed Reynolds, both overhear Keene plotting with another Forefront mole, Special Agent Wabash.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 21 May 2025
  • In addition, just over half of respondents (53%) think state government should reallocate existing funds and revenue sources to support public transportation.
    Jack Lavin, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • During this time, biologists also began to appreciate bird intelligence, starting with their studies of Alex, an African gray parrot who could count and identify objects.
    Yasemin Saplakoglu, Wired News, 11 May 2025
  • Cucumbers need lots of water, but your rosemary, lavender, and thyme will not appreciate the moisture.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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