1
as in to know
to have a practical understanding of
I think I understand how an engine works now
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
3
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of understand
She's generally unbothered by the comments from people who don't understand the pageant world.
—
Zoey Lyttle,
PEOPLE,
3 July 2026
Athalia called to her mother, who quickly understood what was happening.
—
Lauren Collins,
New Yorker,
3 July 2026
Hamza understands, but said humans have an obligation toward the animals that are dependent on them.
—
ABC News,
3 July 2026
The most recent example lies with none other than New York’s current leader, Zohran Mamdani, who arrived as an elementary-schooler and grew up wealthy on Riverside Drive but understands innately how to talk Knicks and the right bodega order.
—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for understand
Zoey Lyttle,
PEOPLE,
3 July 2026
Athalia called to her mother, who quickly understood what was happening.
—
Lauren Collins,
New Yorker,
3 July 2026
Hamza understands, but said humans have an obligation toward the animals that are dependent on them.
—
ABC News,
3 July 2026
The most recent example lies with none other than New York’s current leader, Zohran Mamdani, who arrived as an elementary-schooler and grew up wealthy on Riverside Drive but understands innately how to talk Knicks and the right bodega order.
—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for understand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understand
Verb
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Cape Verde 40-year-old goalkeeper Josimar Jose Evora Dias, also known as Vozinha, became a fan favorite along the way.
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Sometimes there is a fine line between being a hero or a bum, but Dave has been able to negotiate that line, because players trust him, and the players know that Dave cares about them and their families.
Verb
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Your health can depend on recognizing the warning signs of too much heat and knowing how to act.
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This avian bystander may have recognized a fellow bird of prey in Coriolanus, whose role in the Roman ecosystem is necessary yet not fit for all purposes in a young democracy beset with growing pains.
Verb
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Some explanations of bodily difference were obviously wrong, such as physician and signer of the Declaration of Independence Benjamin Rush’s conviction that the dark skin of African Americans was a disease, derived from leprosy.
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The real benefit is derived when the feedback is followed by visible action that improves experience, trust and retention.
Verb
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And although a counterintuitive concept that seemingly many on the Left struggle to comprehend, higher tax rates ultimately generate less, not more,tax revenue.
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For example, a robot needs to comprehend the different levels of pressure that are required while holding an egg versus holding a bottle of water.
Verb
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In 2023, the Vesuvius Challenge made its first award for deciphering the first letters, and the following year, the project awarded the grand prize of $700,000 for producing the first readable text.
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On Thursday, the University of Kentucky announced a new $1 million prize to anyone able to decipher a complete scroll, a feat the researchers once considered impossible, by June next year.
Verb
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Both Swift and Kelce decided to forgo bridesmaids and groomsmen, per a statement shared with People.
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Later, Swift revealed that she was charmed by Kelce’s willingness to court her so publicly and decided to give him a chance.
Verb
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Caparelli-Ruff said the office appreciated working with the County Board to receive bipartisan support for school safety improvements.
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In Texas, appreciating the process of patriotism Rodney Ellis will celebrate at picnics around his precinct in Houston with barbecue pork ribs and ice tea, and a heaping helping of worry about the nation's future.
Verb
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Everybody thought this match was going to be a walk in the park.
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There was at least one person who thought to protest over the situation.
Cite this Entry
“Understand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understand. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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