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 Dial offers readers a glimpse into the world beyond their borders, a monthly syllabus for understanding tumultuous times that challenges assumptions and presents new writing that delights. —

The Dial, 19 Dec. 2024 Maddy disappears and upon returning, years later, works to convince Owen (now played by Justice Smith) that the world of The Pink Opaque is realer than either understood as teens. —

Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024 For occasional or seasonal consumption or lower levels of contamination, more research is needed to understand how lead in spices would affect lead levels in the blood. —

Katarzyna Kordas, Discover Magazine, 7 Dec. 2024 Testing can help officials understand which farms and cows are infected, and how the virus is moving between them, said Matthew Moore, an assistant professor in the department of food science at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. —

Dani Blum, New York Times, 7 Dec. 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