1
as in derives
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 knows
to have a practical understanding of
I think I understand how an engine works now
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in recognizes
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 understands
Despite his layered duplicity, Jonathan understands and defines himself by courting risk.
—
Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Plummer understands Nix is in a difficult spot.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 11 Jan. 2026
Some of the biggest galaxies in the universe stopped making stars billions of years ago, and even today, no one fully understands why.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
This month, love begins where there’s room for shared dreams, late-night conversations and feeling seen by someone who truly understands you.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Lehman better understands it all now.
—Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
For patients, Lin understands the practical appeal of a virtual option.
—Martha Bebinger, NPR, 9 Jan. 2026
Anyone who drives around the Los Angeles basin understands the inadequacy of the freeway system.
—Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
Having someone like Karius in goal, who understands the highs and lows of big-club life, has proven extremely valuable.
—Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understands
Verb
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Given that the city’s budget derives roughly three-quarters of its annual revenue from property taxes, that dynamic is shifting more of the city’s tax burden onto homeowners.—
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In fact, the word alcohol derives from early distillation methods from the Arabic al-kuhul, a word for an ancient Egyptian dark eyeliner that was made using an early distillation technology in Alexandria.—
Verb
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Gravette may not be where most expect to find an athlete competing on a global stage, but maybe that's just because Madie Edwards knows how to keep a low profile.—
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Armario knows the fast-food world from every angle—rising the industry ranks from Burger King crew member to a McDonald’s executive overseeing global supply chain, development, and franchising.—
Verb
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The District recognizes its responsibility to serve the CPS community with integrity.—
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Mescal recognizes that his role is in support of the titanic performance given by Buckley.—
Verb
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And while Elliott would like to see Nielsen as the next CEO, if the board decides on someone else who is equally qualified, Elliott will support that decision.—
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Georgia grows tired of her husband and their nightly trips to the fancy French restaurant and decides to have an affair with another man at another table (Alan Howard).—
Verb
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In the end, A Guardian and a Thief is a story that comprehends hunger more deeply than the world that produces it.—
Verb
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That's precisely what a smart Southern cook thinks, too.—
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The Pahlavi pretender himself certainly thinks so.—
Verb
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Homebrewer Chris Bowers also appreciates being able to purchase ingredients, have one of the beers on tap and visit with the taproom’s staff.—
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In a year in which Week 1 was so in doubt, Stafford certainly appreciates the task in front of him during wild-card weekend.—
Verb
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Every time a customer pays with a credit card, 2 to 4 percent of that sale is siphoned off before a business ever sees the money.—
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Qu said the company sees it as a hobby-grade product aimed at users who want a closer approximation of real piloting.—
Cite this Entry
“Understands.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understands. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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