1
as in derives
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
Relevance
2
as in knows
to have a practical understanding of
I think I understand how an engine works now
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in recognizes
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of understands
McCarthy understands that dynamic.
—
Mike Defabo, New York Times, 3 June 2026
The industry understands people have different needs, and is working to make travel feel more personal and human.
—Miami Herald, 2 June 2026
Ben Tzur understands the spiritual kernel of this process, having studied under Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar in the ancient dhrupad tradition, where rhythmic Vedic chants achieve a similar effect.
—Arman Khan, Pitchfork, 1 June 2026
Spurlock understands the particular danger of saying yes from a place of fear rather than alignment.
—Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
This woman has triggered his mommy issues to the core, and Alamo understands the nature and psyche of an addict.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 1 June 2026
Richards now understands them as mechanisms of control.
—Jp Mangalindan, Time, 1 June 2026
Someone who understands how to operate a large system and serve as a strong steward of public resources.
—Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 27 May 2026
Power of persuasion Camacho understands that.
—Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
Mike Defabo, New York Times, 3 June 2026
The industry understands people have different needs, and is working to make travel feel more personal and human.
—Miami Herald, 2 June 2026
Ben Tzur understands the spiritual kernel of this process, having studied under Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar in the ancient dhrupad tradition, where rhythmic Vedic chants achieve a similar effect.
—Arman Khan, Pitchfork, 1 June 2026
Spurlock understands the particular danger of saying yes from a place of fear rather than alignment.
—Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
This woman has triggered his mommy issues to the core, and Alamo understands the nature and psyche of an addict.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 1 June 2026
Richards now understands them as mechanisms of control.
—Jp Mangalindan, Time, 1 June 2026
Someone who understands how to operate a large system and serve as a strong steward of public resources.
—Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 27 May 2026
Power of persuasion Camacho understands that.
—Mercury News Editorial Board, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understands
Verb
-
Cultural relevance often derives from identity, community, and a sense of belonging.—
Esade Business & Law School,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
The sauce derives its exciting flavor from a unique ingredients blend featuring pickles, chilis, mustard, mayo and onion.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Nobody knows how often adverse events occur, said Kristen Nixon, a Johns Hopkins University researcher who has studied posts about weight loss drugs on Reddit, a popular online forum.—
Maia Rosenfeld,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
-
She’s made a career out of being a normal person who knows a lot about technology but never gets carried away by sci-fi fantasies.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
Being self-Aware – recognizes how personal behavior impacts others and stays mindful of one’s own motives, values, and reactions.—
Mary Crossan,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
The three-day CrimeCon, held this year at Caesars Palace, recognizes true crime content in TV, film, podcasts and publishing.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
Now, technology decides everything.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
-
Deborah decides to pursue treatment after all, if only to buy enough time to work a little more.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
In an oppositional reading of a media text, the audience comprehends that the message conflicts with or contradicts their personal experiences of society.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
5 May 2026
-
In the end, A Guardian and a Thief is a story that comprehends hunger more deeply than the world that produces it.—
Tope Folarin,
The Atlantic,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
But Mack, who now works for the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority in Orlando, thinks the higher assault rate in Charlotte has to do with sparse driver support from management.—
Caitlin McGlade,
Charlotte Observer,
2 June 2026
-
Robinson agreed with Edmonds’ perspective and also thinks that chemistry could be the key to another successful season.—
Steven Johnson
June 2,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Gary ultimately storms off, but Duncan appreciates the insult, suggesting that Silicon Valley's venture capitalists love sociopaths.—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 June 2026
-
Rojo just appreciates the redemption Garcia earned.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
When her mother’s former gallerist reaches out with the offer of a show in exchange for the series’ completion, Indigo sees it as a financial lifeline—and in the face of her mother’s staunch refusal, decides to finish the series herself.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
-
In an episode filled with tragic endings for various characters, including Rue herself, Faye sees some kind of hope on the horizon.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understands.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understands. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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