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

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 To put a platform, both of economic stimulus and of growth, where people can continue to enjoy the culture, but also understand the meaning of it beyond the big event. —

Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025 Representing immigrant moms everywhere, who appreciate the paper bag their son’s girlfriend brought home more than the vegan sliders inside, host Pascal does an incredible job of selling jokes that the audience may not fully understand, but can feel in their spirit. —

Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2025 However, understanding these potential impacts could help prepare humanity for this possible future. —

Victoria Corless, Space.com, 11 Feb. 2025 More research is needed to understand how curcumin fits into mental health treatment. —

Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 10 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for understand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for understand

Verb

Edith Newsome, 5th Ward, said using money — approximately $13 million — derived from gaming and cannabis sales is a better way to contribute to the partnership.

— Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
Zoom out: Shipley claims to be the U.S.'s largest chain whose sales are mostly derived from doughnuts, given that the majority of Dunkin's sales are tied to beverages, followed by Krispy Kreme, per Dekker.

— Richard Collings, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025