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
Even now, the psychological moves of the book’s last moments, how and what Maeve understands, feel to me provisional, blurry, to be co-created with the reader.
—
Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
Ahamed really understands the American economy as part of a global economic system—something that a lot of other writers refuse to do.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Australian filmmaker Chiarella, who previously directed three shorts that premiered in his home country as well as episodes of psychosexual television series, understands the significance of releasing his film right now — in both Australia and the United States.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 June 2026
Deadline understands Gaspin, who is VP, Unscripted Series, just told colleagues of his move moments ago.
—Peter White, Deadline, 10 June 2026
Trump understands the need to avoid a Republican wipeout like the 2018 midterms when Democrats flipped the House and derailed much of the final two years of his first-term plans.
—Patrick Whittle, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Witt has previously dealt with knee soreness and understands how to manage it with treatment.
—Kansas City Star, 9 June 2026
Facing a critical juncture on the path of NBA development, Tidjane Salaün understands the assignment in front of him over the coming weeks.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026
McCarthy understands that dynamic.
—Mike Defabo, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Literary Hub, 10 June 2026
Ahamed really understands the American economy as part of a global economic system—something that a lot of other writers refuse to do.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Australian filmmaker Chiarella, who previously directed three shorts that premiered in his home country as well as episodes of psychosexual television series, understands the significance of releasing his film right now — in both Australia and the United States.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 June 2026
Deadline understands Gaspin, who is VP, Unscripted Series, just told colleagues of his move moments ago.
—Peter White, Deadline, 10 June 2026
Trump understands the need to avoid a Republican wipeout like the 2018 midterms when Democrats flipped the House and derailed much of the final two years of his first-term plans.
—Patrick Whittle, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Witt has previously dealt with knee soreness and understands how to manage it with treatment.
—Kansas City Star, 9 June 2026
Facing a critical juncture on the path of NBA development, Tidjane Salaün understands the assignment in front of him over the coming weeks.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026
McCarthy understands that dynamic.
—Mike Defabo, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understands
Verb
-
In this framework, work derives its dignity and its inspiration from its contribution to customer value.—
Steve Denning,
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
-
Prescott and the offense knows that there will be pressure sent its way.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Dec. 2025
-
Plus, everyone knows the Survivor gods always favor blindsiding your allies!—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
The concept recognizes one simple reality - most people arrive on safari hoping to take extraordinary wildlife photographs, but few of them the equipment or the expertise required to do so.—
Sarah Kingdom,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
-
There is an alternative to such a view, one which recognizes that there are bonds that connect people within a society.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Jefa de Calle's a regime agent assigned to Carmen's block who decides, house by house, who receives a monthly food bag and who is punished with hunger.—
Sarah Lynch Baldwin,
CBS News,
10 Dec. 2025
-
But in Texas, dying without a will means the state decides how to divide your property, not you.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Dec. 2025
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
-
The surest sign of improving standards in Ghana and other African countries, Hughton thinks, will be when diaspora players born elsewhere in the world opt to follow their roots.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
-
But none have watch parties for the games, and Domingo thinks his regular clientele is avoiding the area.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
But Gibbard appreciates how fans have reassessed Plans similarly years later.—
Ilana Kaplan,
PEOPLE,
8 June 2026
-
Jurcenko, a Case-Western commit, appreciates having Seaman on the field.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
The deal sees Higher Ground work with Disney arm Disney Kids & Family, which has just been rebranded from Disney Branded Television.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
15 June 2026
-
Police are asking anyone who sees anything unusual or someone resembling the suspect to call 911.—
Nick Lentz,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understands.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understands. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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