Synonym Chooser

How is the word comprehend distinct from other similar verbs?

The words appreciate and understand are common synonyms of comprehend. While all three words mean "to have a clear or complete idea of," comprehend may stress the process of coming to grips with something intellectually.

I have trouble comprehending your reasons for doing this

When is it sensible to use appreciate instead of comprehend?

While the synonyms appreciate and comprehend are close in meaning, appreciate implies a just evaluation or judgment of a thing's value or nature.

failed to appreciate the risks involved

How are the words understand and comprehend related?

Both 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

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 comprehend This is about making your idea easy to comprehend by speaking the language of your audience. Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 In Alex's case, this involved initiating honest conversations with Emily to comprehend the underlying factors contributing to her distress. Andriana Eliadis, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025 But in order to comprehend that fact, people like Rowling would have to actually listen to ace people, and that’s more intellectually curious than she’s been since at least the 1990s. Samantha Riedel, Them., 7 Apr. 2025 No other soul could ever fully comprehend that sandwich. Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for comprehend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for comprehend
Verb
  • IndieWire understands the festival was waiting to confirm Denzel Washington’s attendance, and indeed the star will be at Cannes.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
  • And like Bell, my bandmates and I understood why other artists were continuing to cancel their performances.
    Ryan Miller, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The factories vary greatly in size, and their output quantities are not known.
    Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Over the years, Jon Bon Jovi has become known for his philanthropic work with the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, which addresses homelessness, poverty and food insecurity.
    Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Festival fashion over the years has encompassed everything ranging from kitschy to culturally influenced.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025
  • In reality, the term encompasses a wide-ranging set of practices.
    Emma Green, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After analyzing his journal, Cordelia was able to decipher the diligent log Wynter kept of each criminal statute and ethical code that Lilly broke while working her role at the White House, which included stealing money and securing shady contracts.
    Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Mar. 2025
  • As Saxon and Lochlan try to decipher what happened between them, we are asked to think about why we’re aroused (or repulsed) by it.
    Louis Staples, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Then Mitchell got hot in the clutch, scoring nine points on 3-of-4 shooting from three-point range in overtime after a shaky first half that included 0-of-4 shooting from the field.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The new chief must take the time to actually understand the neighborhoods and truly grasp their concerns.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Parents who do talk about letter sounds help their kids grasp that letters are just speech captured on the page.
    Maya Payne Smart, Contributor, CNBC, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After the fire is fully contained, the next step is to control it.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Fires were contained, and no casualties were reported.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The law is in place due to traffic signal sensors not always recognizing motorcycles.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The church officially recognizes St. Peter, the first pope, as the longest-serving, with at least 34 years.
    Christopher Watson, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Comprehend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/comprehend. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on comprehend

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!