UNDERSTAND Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

understand

verb

ˌən-dər-ˈstand

Definition of understand next

as in to derive

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

as in to know

to have a practical understanding of I think I understand how an engine works now

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to recognize

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

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 The past week has proven a surreal one for TikTok's users and creators, many of whom are struggling to understand how this proved to be the one issue that could unite Democrats and Republicans. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025 Want to understand the impact of tech on your body and how to live better with your devices? —

Manuela López Restrepo, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025 Just compensate for my skill set within the scope of the business, understanding all the young guys have got to get paid. —

Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2025 What's next: Theragun is looking to further tailor its routines, expand to work with other products in the company's portfolio and also incorporate real-time feedback to understand where someone might be sore and adjust treatments accordingly. —

Ina Fried, Axios, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for understand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for understand

Verb

The original data was derived from the Laredo Oil Inc quarterly 10-Q report dated January 17, 2025.

— Quartz Bot, Quartz, 17 Jan. 2025
Look for products derived from organic, non-GMO, pesticide-free hemp grown in the USA.

— Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2025