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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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of understands
Stefano Massini’s writing, adapted by Ben Power, understands where to place the drama for maximum effect.
—
David John Chávez, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
Deadline understands a second window deal in France will be announced soon and advanced discussions are underway with other territories.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2026
She is deeply respected across the festival community, understands both the artistic and operational realities our members face, and shares FFA’s belief that collaboration and advocacy are essential to the future of independent exhibition.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 25 Feb. 2026
For the traveler who understands that getting to their destination can be half the fun, the Rocky Mountaineer train makes for an ideal vacation.
—Jessica Poitevien, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2026
Burhan understands the price of war.
—Cameron Hudson, semafor.com, 25 Feb. 2026
The tone of Tuesday's speech suggests that Trump understands what's politically salient.
—Averi Harper, ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
Everybody now understands that.
—Nick Hilden, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2026
Veteran coach Michael Boehle, sipping coffee, understands the routine is only temporary and does his best to get his players focused on their early-morning routine.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
David John Chávez, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
Deadline understands a second window deal in France will be announced soon and advanced discussions are underway with other territories.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2026
She is deeply respected across the festival community, understands both the artistic and operational realities our members face, and shares FFA’s belief that collaboration and advocacy are essential to the future of independent exhibition.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 25 Feb. 2026
For the traveler who understands that getting to their destination can be half the fun, the Rocky Mountaineer train makes for an ideal vacation.
—Jessica Poitevien, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2026
Burhan understands the price of war.
—Cameron Hudson, semafor.com, 25 Feb. 2026
The tone of Tuesday's speech suggests that Trump understands what's politically salient.
—Averi Harper, ABC News, 25 Feb. 2026
Everybody now understands that.
—Nick Hilden, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2026
Veteran coach Michael Boehle, sipping coffee, understands the routine is only temporary and does his best to get his players focused on their early-morning routine.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understands
Verb
-
Sopho derives from the Greek word for wisdom, mania from the Greek word for madness.—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Its name derives from bundles of its tough stems, which were used in Europe by butchers to remove meat and fat from wooden chopping blocks.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Anyone who’s been left with one sock without a mate after all your laundry is apparently washed, dried, and folded knows the true irritation of this conundrum.—
Ashley Chalmers,
The Spruce,
20 Feb. 2026
-
There's no signal on top of the tower, but the pair knows there's connection further down.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Cops have released photos of a suspect wanted for gunning down a panhandler inside a Manhattan 7-Eleven last week, in hopes someone recognizes him.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
22 Feb. 2026
-
The endangerment finding recognizes these harms.—
Yoca Arditi-Rocha,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Perhaps general manager Brett Veach decides to trade down.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
20 Feb. 2026
-
As a way to claim his inheritance, Becket decides to get rid of every other Redfellow in line for it.—
Savannah Salazar,
Vulture,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
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 director thinks of this as the cinematic equivalent of a curtain call or final bow at the end of a stage production.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Betul’s determination to work hard and well, and her openness, move Jason, who thinks of his daughter.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Landrie Callahan, who heated up with seven points in the second quarter and then six in the third, appreciates the winning mentality Kotowski brings.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Expect lots of foodies and oenophiles, couples young and old, and anyone who appreciates soaking in one of these to-die-for outdoor soaking tubs.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Ultimately, Yu sees a future with a standalone Europe operation, to be carried out in three steps.—
Xiaoying You,
semafor.com,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Sasha Stiles sees them as expressions of the same impulse.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understands.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understands. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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