fathoming

VERB

discern, understand

Synonyms

STRONGEST

appreciate comprehend divine figure out grasp penetrate pinpoint plumb unravel

STRONG

apprehend catch cognize dig estimate follow gauge get have interpret know measure perceive pierce probe recognize savvy sound

WEAK

get to the bottom

Antonyms

STRONGEST

misinterpret misunderstand

STRONG

guess lose miss neglect not get

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.

I truly have a hard time fathoming that.

From Salon • Oct. 16, 2022

Medvedev had difficulty fathoming that he’d have to win the Australian Open every year until he was 34 to match Djokovic’s success there.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2021

They are like the proverbial worker who knows how to use a hammer and thus sees everything as a nail—not fathoming the existence of other tools.

From Scientific American • Jun. 8, 2020

He was also being “completely honest,” baring a bewildered and troubled soul, not fathoming why he is so uninspired to play a sport he intends, or hopes, to continue on with.

From New York Times • Jul. 4, 2017

To all appearance Richelieu cared but little about fathoming the business.

From La Sorcière: The Witch of the Middle Ages by Michelet, Jules