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
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 understands
The Athletic understands that another City stalwart, Brian Marwood, has reduced his role to a part-time one.
—
Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Deadline understands that Nwodim made the decision after it was thought that the cast for Season 51 was set and ready to go ahead of its October 4 return.
—Peter White, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
Anyone who grew up in the latter half of the 20th century understands the social and cultural impact made by Volkswagen’s Type 1, built from 1938 to 2003, and first marketed as the Beetle in 1968.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
This is a hands-on operator that understands design, numbers, and what actually drives repeat bookings and high nightly rates.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Poppino said the Judicial Branch expects criticism and understands that many cases deal with difficult and highly personal situations.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 12 Sep. 2025
Whatever the group’s priorities, ensuring everyone understands the plan can help set expectations.
—Linnea Bailey, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2025
In April, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said people are going to want personalized AI that understands them.
—Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
Reaching All Sizes Of Businesses Diners Club understands that businesses have distinct concerns that vary by their size.
—Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Deadline understands that Nwodim made the decision after it was thought that the cast for Season 51 was set and ready to go ahead of its October 4 return.
—Peter White, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
Anyone who grew up in the latter half of the 20th century understands the social and cultural impact made by Volkswagen’s Type 1, built from 1938 to 2003, and first marketed as the Beetle in 1968.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025
This is a hands-on operator that understands design, numbers, and what actually drives repeat bookings and high nightly rates.
—Matt Emma, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Poppino said the Judicial Branch expects criticism and understands that many cases deal with difficult and highly personal situations.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 12 Sep. 2025
Whatever the group’s priorities, ensuring everyone understands the plan can help set expectations.
—Linnea Bailey, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2025
In April, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said people are going to want personalized AI that understands them.
—Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2025
Reaching All Sizes Of Businesses Diners Club understands that businesses have distinct concerns that vary by their size.
—Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understands
Verb
-
Perhaps the importance of the Ali-Frazier match derives from the extremity of those blood-sport contradictions.—
Vann R. Newkirk II,
The Atlantic,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Before there was Latin trap, Puerto Rico was transfixed by reggaetón, a swaggering style based on a loping, staccato beat known as dembow, which derives from dancehall reggae.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
And provided the overall customer experience meets the customer’s expectations, which includes the sales process, ease of doing business, customer support and product quality, why would a customer take a chance on leaving a company that knows them for a company that doesn’t?—
Shep Hyken,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Only God knows what the future will be like, but yes, there is a will to live.—
Ruchi Kumar,
NPR,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Roberto Clemente Award annually recognizes the player who represents baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions, both on and off the field.—
John Perrotto,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Bringing Poggi back to Ann Arbor was a sign that Moore recognizes the value of a strong support system.—
Austin Meek,
New York Times,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The cat decides its favorite spot to sleep is also a great place to stretch and scratch.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Perhaps America won’t be healthy again until Kennedy simply decides to declare victory, regardless of what the next three years bring.—
Nicholas Florko,
The Atlantic,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Hale thinks the housing market overall is a bit healthier than the low level of sales might indicate, however.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Mads Claus Rasmussen | Afp | Getty Images Skovronsky thinks that pills could eventually become the primary way that obesity is treated around the world, and that oral drugs could have a larger market share than injectables.—
Angelica Peebles,
CNBC,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
If at any point a stock held in the fund no longer meets all three criteria — for example, because a company’s valuation appreciates too much or its fundamentals weaken — Hart said his team will sell.—
Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Now raising a toddler, the family especially appreciates the parks and family-friendly atmosphere.—
Brendel Clark,
Freep.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Sírio-Libanês sees patients from all over the country and the region in South America – including those who typically cannot afford top-tier medical care.—
Lauren Giella,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
In the final scene, Cate wakes up in her hospital bed and sees the dead nurses on the floor, as a result of her powers malfunctioning.—
Olivia Singh,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
My body no longer deciphers its signals correctly.—
Alaa Alqaisi
August 13,
Literary Hub,
13 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understands.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understands. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share