Synonym Chooser

How is the word understand distinct from other similar verbs?

The words appreciate and comprehend are common synonyms of understand. While all three words mean "to have a clear or complete idea of," understand and comprehend are very often interchangeable, with understand sometimes stressing the fact of having attained a firm mental grasp of something.

orders that were fully understood and promptly obeyed

When is it sensible to use appreciate instead of understand?

The synonyms appreciate and understand are sometimes interchangeable, but appreciate implies a just evaluation or judgment of a thing's value or nature.

failed to appreciate the risks involved

Where would comprehend be a reasonable alternative to understand?

Although the words comprehend and understand have much in common, comprehend may stress the process of coming to grips with something intellectually.

I have trouble comprehending your reasons for doing this

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 understand IndieWire understands that Italian real estate is already looking at these locations to potentially convert them in anticipation of the vote. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 23 Feb. 2025 But the players, at least, understood the importance of that moment, and not just everything that had come before. Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2025 And the findings may help researchers to better understand how rune stones were repurposed over time. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025 When policies improve learning, the researchers say, schools need to know that — and to understand why. Cory Turner, NPR, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for understand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understand
Verb
  • Phytic acid gently refines skin texture, while vitis vinifera—derived from grapes—helps replenish moisture and smooth fine lines.
    Deanna Pai, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Air pollution derived from the huge amounts of energy needed to run data centers has been linked to treating cancers, asthma, and other related issues, according to research from UC Riverside and Caltech.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Who knew the hardest thing about an awards show acceptance speech could be holding the trophy?
    Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Jesus Guerrero—the celebrity hairstylist known for his work with Jennifer Lopez, Kylie Jenner, Jessica Alba, Selena Gomez, Kali Uchis, Charli XCX, Rosalía and more—has died, according to his family.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • They are recognized leaders in creating the kind of strikingly original campaigns that energize audiences and consumers alike growing from core to more.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Fans in Chicago will recognize the red beard — Turner was the co-MVP of the 2017 National League Championship Series that ended the Cubs’ reign as defending World Series champs.
    Patrick Mooney, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Not least of which, how exactly does best picture get decided?
    Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2025
  • The awards, decided by audience votes, were presented in collaboration with radioeins and rbb television.
    Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Certain people still cannot comprehend this move, but the Mavericks feel good about their current position.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Players from a now bygone era couldn’t comprehend the notion of being nice to an opponent before kick off.
    Tim Spiers, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Millennials will love deciphering which real-life stars inspired the plot.
    Tia Williams, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Freshman Max Granville tried to decipher whether defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton was staying.
    Audrey Snyder, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • While there is looming uncertainty, some strategists think fundamentals like strong corporate earnings will drive stocks higher.
    John Towfighi, CNN, 25 Feb. 2025
  • But what he’s lost in velocity, Erasmo Ramírez thinks he’s made up in command and perspective.
    Dan Hayes, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Their award-winner is a bold and robust expression that caters to those who appreciate intense flavor profiles.
    Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • When Are the 2025 Oscars? Lucky for those on the East Coast who appreciate an early bedtime, the 2025 Oscars are keeping the earlier airtime debuted that during last year.
    Reece Rogers, WIRED, 28 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Understand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understand. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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