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

Examples 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 report said prosecutors and judges told federal investigators that officers do not understand the constitutional limits on their authority. —

Adrian Sainz, Jonathan Mattise, The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Dec. 2024 The use of force prompted outrage in Oklahoma City's Vietnamese community, particularly since the video shows Vu had difficulty communicating with Gibson during the interaction and appeared not to understand what the officer was telling him. —

CBS News, 6 Dec. 2024 By understanding market dynamics and consumer behavior, businesses can reduce waste, optimize stock levels, and enhance customer satisfaction. —

Nicole Smythe, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 Hopefully one day soon, politicians will do a better job understanding them, and speaking to their concerns. —

Basel Touchan, TIME, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for understand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for understand

Verb

The Single Estate Series reflects Mount Gay’s focus on terroir, with the use of molasses derived exclusively from the estate’s sugar cane.

Rachel King, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024
Seeing the actual act of ejaculation on-screen magnifies the euphoria of this moment and how much joy can be derived from prioritizing and pleasuring yourself as well as others.

David Opie, IndieWire, 7 Dec. 2024