INCOMPREHENSION Synonyms: 26 Similar and Opposite Words

incomprehension

noun

(ˌ)in-ˌkäm-pri-ˈhen(t)-shən

Definition of incomprehension

as in misunderstanding

a failure to understand correctly the anthropologist's apparent incomprehension of the ceremonial rites she describes in her book surprised reviewers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 incomprehension At first the central duo’s intergenerational incomprehension is played for laughs. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 13 May 2026 There is, equally, a certain childish hope that Vuong’s reader will approach him with the benevolent incomprehension of a maternal figure. — Andrea Long Chu, Vulture, 6 May 2025 For someone like me, brought up Catholic, mortal sin has remained the secret par excellence, a pagan custom, delicious in its dark-ness and all the human incomprehension that surrounds it. — Literary Hub, 31 Mar. 2026 At this point, armed with insights about labor, the commodity, and the money-form, the reader may be shedding any melancholy incomprehension—but can’t yet have arrived at angry lucidity. — Benjamin Kunkel, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for incomprehension

Recent Examples of Synonyms for incomprehension

misunderstanding

Noun

Where modern novels might have opposites meeting at work, separated by a misunderstanding and reunited with a kiss and solid communication, ancient novels are quite different.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
By regularly communicating these norms, leaders can help ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings when team members are out of office.

— Priya Krishnan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026