Definition of understandnext

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 Index is aimed at trying to help content owners understand how AI agents use their work. Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 19 May 2026 Many companies failed to fully understand the risk and appear to have underinsured for it. Contessa Brewer,dawn Giel, CNBC, 19 May 2026 Everyone who joined the film understood and wanted to be part of that vision. Jd Linville, Variety, 19 May 2026 The lab was one of the few federal facilities studying Ebola and other deadly pathogens, which Nuzzo said could have been useful in understanding the virus and developing therapies for the recent outbreak. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for understand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understand
Verb
  • Did either network know Krakowski was double dipping?
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 15 May 2026
  • Sark knows the Texas football team isn't there for academics, or at least, the starters.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Presidents have often recognized and honored the Jewish community within the broader story of America.
    Ari Berman, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
  • Authority grows when your purpose is easy to recognize.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Although borax is naturally derived, it should still be approached with caution.
    Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 17 May 2026
  • In the United States, more than 40 people are being monitored for the Andes virus, a type of hantavirus, which derives from rodents.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • Just a few years ago the meaning lay hidden behind a wall of medical jargon that only doctors could comprehend.
    Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 15 May 2026
  • At first, even Kenney herself struggled to comprehend how quickly the project was expanding.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • In corporate news, luxury conglomerate and industry bellwether LVMH reported quarterly sales that missed expectations on Monday as the sector begins to decipher the fallout from the war in the Middle East and its impact on stocks.
    Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026
  • The researchers then deciphered certain traits that were linked to the habit.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Daniella Segura California is weeks away from its June primary, in which voters will decide which gubernatorial candidates will face off in the November general election.
    James Ward, USA Today, 15 May 2026
  • This is the third time Weinstein has been tried for a charge of third-degree rape; Judge Curtis Farber gave prosecutors 30 days to decide whether he will be tried a fourth time.
    Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Couples appreciate the romance and ease of it.
    Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
  • Minimalist carry-on-only travelers and checked bag packers alike will appreciate these deals, which start at $18.
    Erin Cavoto, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • If there are Porthilly oysters on the menu don’t even think about ordering another starter.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • Returning last summer, I was reminded of the incredible detail and thought put into every element of the park.
    Zachary Laks, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Understand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understand. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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