Synonym Chooser

How is the word comprehend distinct from other similar verbs?

The words appreciate and understand are common synonyms of comprehend. While all three words mean "to have a clear or complete idea of," comprehend may stress the process of coming to grips with something intellectually.

I have trouble comprehending your reasons for doing this

When is it sensible to use appreciate instead of comprehend?

While the synonyms appreciate and comprehend are close in meaning, appreciate implies a just evaluation or judgment of a thing's value or nature.

failed to appreciate the risks involved

How are the words understand and comprehend related?

Both 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

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 comprehend Here are some of those benefits: More Accurate Understanding Of User Intent Unlike traditional search engines, AI can actually comprehend the exact requirements of the user. Dr. Bin Tang, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 At nearly 5,000 square miles, the vastness of Vatnajökull National Park can feel difficult to comprehend. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2025 My voice becomes harder to comprehend when the buds have to cancel out background noise. PCMAG, 14 Jan. 2025 Anderson, of the evangelical Calvary Church, said humans cannot comprehend the ways of God. Sarah Ventre, NPR, 12 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for comprehend 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comprehend
Verb
  • Still, Republicans have said that even if that call was accurate, the C.I.A. failed in understanding other key events: how quickly the Afghan government could collapse, how Bashar al-Assad would flee Syria and how Hamas was preparing to attack Israel.
    Julian E. Barnes, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025
  • From artificial intelligence transforming workflows to esports energizing learning, Bett 2025 is the must-attend event for anyone who wants to understand and influence the future of education in a rapidly changing world.
    Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Additionally, gas fireplaces will have a component known as a thermocouple, which is designed to prevent gas leaks by automatically closing the gas valve if the pilot light goes out.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Jan. 2025
  • The Aledo Bearcats are known for their football dominance, having won 12 state championships.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Executive actions encompass all presidential directives, executive orders, presidential memoranda and proclamations.
    Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2025
  • The breached data encompassed a vast range of sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, payment details, and personal identification records.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In deciphering sagas of eons past, astronomers find few examples more intriguing than Messier 67, or M67, which is a large, loosely bound group of sun-like stars dwelling in the outskirts of the Milky Way, our home galaxy.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2025
  • This is where unified customer/retailer data will play a big role — deciphering behavior drivers to find more customers.
    Lauren Parker, WWD, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Those additives can include high fructose corn syrup, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and preservatives, Lu Wang, MBBS, PhD, MPH, an epidemiologist and research assistant professor at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University, told Health.
    Korin Miller, Health, 25 Jan. 2025
  • Other stars featured throughout the year include George Raft, Barbara Stanwyck, Red Skeleton, Mae West, Gary Cooper, and Merle Oberon.
    Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 25 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In footage from Moreno’s camera, Engel appears in a doorway and begins to approach Moreno with his right arm raised above his head, his hand grasping a knife.
    Christian Martinez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Bend your right knee, reach back with your right arm, and grasp your foot. 12.
    Aubrey Bailey, PT, DPT, CHT, Verywell Health, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Which team’s pass rush bothers or contains the other QB more effectively might tip this result.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Jan. 2025
  • The sunscreens contain photolyase to calm and soothe; niacinamide for brightening and collagen production; squalene for hydration; and lingonberry to ward off blue light damage.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 26 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Additionally, its College of Pharmacy is recognized as the second-highest producer of Black Doctor of Pharmacy degree recipients, according to the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
    Kizzy Cox, Essence, 27 Jan. 2025
  • The order said the federal government would recognize only two sexes—male or female—and calls for housing transgender women in men's prisons, and halting gender-affirming medical care.
    Joel Thayer, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near comprehend

Cite this Entry

“Comprehend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comprehend. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on comprehend

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!