1
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
2
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
3
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of understand
When visitors started coming in earnest, in the late 1950s, the residents understood that tourism could save their beleaguered town.
—
Richard Grant, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
This is messy and extremely optional, but Tajin lovers like me will understand.
—Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2025
To understand homelessness, listen to homeless people.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
There's likely more confusion ahead The amount of complexity in the loan program right now, given the legal battles and change in administrations, has made the program even harder for borrowers to understand, says Urban Institute's Delisle.
—Cory Turner, NPR, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understand
Richard Grant, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
This is messy and extremely optional, but Tajin lovers like me will understand.
—Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2025
To understand homelessness, listen to homeless people.
—Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2025
There's likely more confusion ahead The amount of complexity in the loan program right now, given the legal battles and change in administrations, has made the program even harder for borrowers to understand, says Urban Institute's Delisle.
—Cory Turner, NPR, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understand
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understand
Verb
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Trump has derived his authority to impose tariffs by declaring a national emergency caused by the flow of fentanyl and undocumented migration from Canada, Mexico and China.—
Allison Pecorin,
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2025
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The name is derived from metal legs that extend out to keep the bag standing upright.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Here’s what to know about Booker’s marathon protest.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
2 Apr. 2025
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This was a problem for Sexton, best known for his roles in Bosch, The Killing and Deadwood who was offered a $595,000 deal for the role of Johnson.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
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For years, the school board declined the proposal to recognize Eid as a day off.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2025
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Organizations that view middle management as obstacles fail to recognize their critical role as translators, navigators, and stabilizers of meaningful change.—
Dan Pontefract,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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No matter how it is eventually decided, the race to host the 2036 Olympics is already shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent years.—
Blythe Lawrence,
Forbes.com,
30 Mar. 2025
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Conrad and Harry decide a meeting should be set up with Richie before things get out of hand.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
30 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Imagine leveraging this technology to bridge cultural divides, comprehend opposing political viewpoints, or gain insight into different socio-economic backgrounds.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
27 Mar. 2025
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We’re all interconnected in economic webs too tangled to fully comprehend, let alone sanitize.—
Kwame Anthony Appiah,
New York Times,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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One such problem is a too-common vocal style that is expressed in guttural growls, making lyrics difficult to decipher — at least for me.—
Mikal Gilmore,
Rolling Stone,
30 Mar. 2025
-
Mathematicians are deciphered, disfigured, discounted, and dissolved.—
Richard Lederer,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Mar. 2025
Verb
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A couple years ago, fans even thought that Swift might make a cameo onthe medical drama, which is still on the air after 20 years.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
2 Apr. 2025
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Staying silent for a few seconds can make people think of you as smart.—
Kathy and Ross Petras, Contributors,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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To truly appreciate Toronto's culinary heritage, Kish recommends diving into the city's food history—including surprising discoveries like the Canadian origins of sushi pizza and Hawaiian pizza.—
Kimberly Lyn,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Apr. 2025
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Thai isn’t a particularly easy language to learn but an effort to grasp the basics will always be appreciated by the locals.—
Kathleen Peddicord,
Forbes.com,
5 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understand. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
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