Definitions

comprehension

[kom-pri-hen-shuhn] / ˌkɒm prɪˈhɛn ʃən /

NOUN

understanding

Synonyms

STRONGEST

apprehension awareness

STRONG

apperception capacity cognizance conception discernment grasp intelligence judgment ken knowledge perception prehension realization sense take

WEAK

aha double take slow take uptake

Antonyms

STRONG

ignorance inability

WEAK

incomprehension misinterpretation mistake misunderstanding

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The findings suggest that important cognitive abilities, including language comprehension and prediction, may not depend on conscious awareness.

From Science Daily • Jun. 29, 2026

Archaeologist and prehistoric art specialist George Nash said the art could have been used as a "communication system" but that its meaning was something "way beyond our comprehension".

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

These are things that are beyond our mortal comprehension, but that are maybe coming in the near-future.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

This allows events to balloon beyond our comprehension, and may be preventing us from stopping this insanity.

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026

While we watched without comprehension, she moved away to where none of us wanted to follow.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

Vocabulary lists containing comprehension

TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

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Tongues Untied: The Lingo of Linguistics

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Edge: Academic Vocabulary

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!