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 Asking teachers and campus administrators questions and communicating can help better understand what needs to be done to enhance student achievement. —

Hanna Kang, Orange County Register, 6 Nov. 2024 Kaley Cuoco understands why parents hate daylight saving time now. —

Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024 Meet with investment bankers to understand market dynamics. —

Marc Emmer, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Bukele understands that El Salvador is for the Salvadorans. —

Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for understand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for understand

Verb

The original data was derived from the Terra Property Trust Inc. 6.00% Notes due 2026 quarterly 10-Q report dated November 8, 2024.

Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024
The report noted that Google’s content investment is derived from YouTube and investment in programming via their revenue-sharing arrangements with content creators.

Brad Adgate, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024