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 Measuring that pulse requires both instinct and analysis — understanding not just the numbers, but the stories behind them. Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025 Having collaborated with Zara and Disney, Ao Yes understands what resonates with the mass market. Denni Hu, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025 This framing was crucial for players to understand. Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 Mamdani looked and sounded like someone who lives in and understands New York City in 2025. Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for understand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understand
Verb
  • Returning for a record-breaking 23rd season on SNL, Kenan Thompson is not currently known to be dating anyone.
    Alyssa Davis, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Tiki-Ti — Los Angeles, California Arguably one of the best dive bars in the Golden State, the 20-seat Tiki-Ti was founded in 1961 by Filipino immigrant Ray Buhen and is known for its intimate atmosphere, classic rum cocktails and kitschy decor.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Through the tear gas and dust, his family recognized Retes’ car and the veteran decal on his window.
    Nicole Foy, ProPublica, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The awards ceremony is a first-of-its-kind international gala recognizing excellence across the space industry.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Just like the blueberry milk, milky rose, and matcha latte nails that came before it, the name is derived from the shade used to achieve the look.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Because they are derived from patient-specific stem cells, researchers can create personalized versions that reflect an individual’s genetic makeup.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The current major storylines, such as the implosion of The Vision and the scramble for the vacant World Heavyweight Championship, are examples of the layered narratives that AI has historically struggled to comprehend.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The cacophony contained within the glass of an NHL rink can be difficult to describe, let alone comprehend.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The audience is put into her shoes, only able to decipher what is going on by listening to the men banging around the house trying to kill her.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 19 Oct. 2025
  • No, Lindsey did not decipher a few revealing tarot cards or see the future inside a crystal ball.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As the team struggles with grief, Sharon decides to pull Station 42 off active duty entirely, rather than assign a new captain.
    Alamin Yohannes, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
  • When New Jersey suddenly came down hard on business, neighbouring Delaware decided to rewrite its rulebook to scoop up companies fleeing the state.
    Jan Hammer, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For much of D’Angelo’s career, critics seemed to most appreciate his brilliance by way of comparison.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 18 Oct. 2025
  • At the same time, Harrison appreciates the love and support she's received from the online community, which has only strengthened her desire to continue the series.
    Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • However, Duan cautions against thinking that AI will replace engineers.
    Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Business leaders and boosters—if not the public library’s archivist—thought rumors and legends and sub-cellars, basements, coal chutes, and other subterranean utility spaces made for a marketable product.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Understand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understand. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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