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
Deadline understands that the company, which is behind series such as Netflix’s The Hunting Wives, USA Network’s The Rainmaker and ABC’s The Rookie, is restructuring its Worldwide Television Distribution Group.
—
Peter White, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2026
Poor Bella’s horribly adverse reaction to the virus makes for a great jump scare in the moment and also an exclamation point on the season overall, emphasizing that no one really understands how this virus works.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026
As a veteran of the beauty industry, Martinez understands this dichotomy all too well.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
Rae Huang is the candidate who understands what this moment demands — and who has the platform, the values, and the courage to deliver.
—Caleb W Crowder, Daily News, 10 Mar. 2026
Netflix already understands this in film and TV.
—Max Cutler, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
And as someone who has done this a long time, Musselman understands that the responsibility for the team’s disastrous stretch run ultimately falls squarely on his shoulders.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Pujols said the group understands the expectation attached to the jersey.
—Noah Gulley, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
Talarico clearly understands the task ahead.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 4 Mar. 2026
Peter White, Deadline, 11 Mar. 2026
Poor Bella’s horribly adverse reaction to the virus makes for a great jump scare in the moment and also an exclamation point on the season overall, emphasizing that no one really understands how this virus works.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026
As a veteran of the beauty industry, Martinez understands this dichotomy all too well.
—Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026
Rae Huang is the candidate who understands what this moment demands — and who has the platform, the values, and the courage to deliver.
—Caleb W Crowder, Daily News, 10 Mar. 2026
Netflix already understands this in film and TV.
—Max Cutler, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
And as someone who has done this a long time, Musselman understands that the responsibility for the team’s disastrous stretch run ultimately falls squarely on his shoulders.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Pujols said the group understands the expectation attached to the jersey.
—Noah Gulley, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
Talarico clearly understands the task ahead.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 4 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understands
Verb
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Rick Baker Much of modern Hollywood makeup derives from techniques created by Rick Baker, who innovated the field of special effects makeup.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Mar. 2026
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The name derives from the biblical story of Samson, who destroyed a temple and killed both himself and his enemies.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Last year’s Oscars saw a five-year high in the ratings, with some crediting O’Brien’s relevance with a younger audience that knows him as the podcaster, not the late night host.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Mar. 2026
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Every Southern baker knows that there's nothing more delightful than making a caramel cake for friends and family.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Blakespear recognizes Women Who Inspire in Senate District 38, while Boerner hands out Women of Impact awards in the 77th Assembly District.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Sam is also a fantastic leader who recognizes that high-level filmmaking requires support.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Jackson is aghast when Wahlberg shows up fat and scraggly for filming, ultimately firing him and hiring Ryan Gosling, who secretly thinks Wahlberg had the right idea but decides to keep his mouth shut.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
13 Mar. 2026
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The desirable outcome is that a jury, which decides questions of fact, decides that social media is addictive and it was designed to maximize engagement.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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
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Lawmakers said Next Generation 911 needs more oversight At least one lawmaker present on Tuesday thinks that the state should not move forward with the statewide design.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
18 Mar. 2026
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Shooman thinks that the people behind these new studios and distribution labels could be part of a larger effort to reshape the entertainment landscape.—
Brent Lang,
Variety,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The subtle piping along the border gives it a refined look, and Baker appreciates that the fluffiness feels full without being too exaggerated, which is great for those who prefer a more minimal bedspread.—
Shoko Wanger,
Architectural Digest,
9 Mar. 2026
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Hughes appreciates the position the team has earned, with an inside track on a playoff spot for a second straight year, and was obviously willing to bet that this group of players will get it to the finish line.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In a news release shared on social media, the Bell Police Department urged residents to stay alert due to an increase in reports related to the crime, which sees the suspects following their victims after cash is withdrawn.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
16 Mar. 2026
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Poznan Mayor Jacek Jaśkowiak sees domestic innovation as a third wave in Poland’s postsocialist economic development.—
Claudia Ciobanu,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understands.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understands. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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