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

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 comprehend For traders focused on events, comprehending these historical trends might provide a potential advantage. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 This special stamp serves as a lasting reminder of Barbara Bush's enduring love for family and friends, sharp wit and unwavering commitment to solve the problems of today by ensuring that every man, woman and child has the opportunity to read, write and comprehend. Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025 Anyone who’s attempted to read a paper map while navigating traffic understands the dangers of trying to comprehend the full picture mid-journey. Mike Caulfield, The Atlantic, 9 May 2025 Anxiety multiplies Misunderstandings and misinformation about the complexities of immigration law lead many to criticize and scrutinize our undocumented population, without comprehending its devastating effects. Carielle Escalante, Mercury News, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for comprehend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comprehend
Verb
  • But Wolf’s greatest contribution is in faithfully documenting his open, sometimes ugly dialogue with a figure who was widely known yet never, until now, understood.
    Judy Berman, Time, 30 May 2025
  • For a long time, a very evolved, smart person that makes poor choices sometimes can still understand what that means.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • When shopping for pure silk, be sure look for bedding labels that note 100% mulberry silk, also known as natural silk.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 31 May 2025
  • The seventh of eight PGA Tour Signature Events is being held this week at Muirfield Village Golf Club, also known as Jack's Place.
    Kendall Capps, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • The property encompasses a generous 0.3-acre of land.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 30 May 2025
  • The class encompasses information about exercises to prepare the mother for birth, relaxation and coping techniques, pain control options, labor positioning, induction and C-section basics, recovery and welcoming baby.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • As Guidry and Bowen try to decipher what led to Adam’s murder, viewers are taken on a ride.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 May 2025
  • As advocates on both sides of the police accountability debate decipher what Trump's about-face means for those communities, some are now focusing on what his administration might do next as allies seek to redefine the summer of 2020.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • The impressive ensemble cast also includes Regina King, Margaret Qualley, Amy Brenneman, Liv Tyler, and Ann Dowd.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 26 May 2025
  • Stuart would pack their trunks with clothes and supplies, including Uno cards and water guns, and cover them with stickers for drop-off.
    Sheila Yount, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • Officials have expressed concern about a lack of formal training, and there is an apprehension that podcasters might not always grasp the nuances of criminal investigations or the implications of publicizing sensitive information.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 May 2025
  • The ban on offensive players from pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping or encircling a runner was supported by a 22-10 vote, according to a person with knowledge of the proceedings, speaking on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press because the details weren’t made public.
    Dave Campbell, Twin Cities, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • This post contains spoilers for The Rehearsal Season 2 finale.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 26 May 2025
  • For example, foods containing the slow-release carbohydrate sweetener sucromalt help people with diabetes prevent blood sugar spikes, and hypoallergenic infant formula can be lifesaving for infants that cannot digest milk at a young age.
    Paul Dawson, The Conversation, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • So that we're all being recognized is what matters most.
    Dave Quinn, People.com, 27 May 2025
  • Longtime fans of the show will recognize this as some of June’s voiceover from the very first episode.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Comprehend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comprehend. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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