COMPREHEND Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

comprehend

verb

ˌkäm-pri-ˈhend

Definition of comprehend next

as in to understand

to have a clear idea of the age at which children can comprehend the difference between right and wrong

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to know

to have a practical understanding of it took me a while to comprehend algebra

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to encompass

to have as part of a whole our notion of morality should comprehend much more than proper sexual behavior

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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