Synonyms for

Fathom

Verb / ˈfæðʌm / Another word for fathom — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to understand or comprehend something deeply, or a unit of measurement for the depth of water

Synonyms & similar words

penetrate sound fthm bottom grasp comprehend understand perceive appreciate penetrate measure sound plumb probe detect gauge calculate estimate figure calculate solve resolve interpret decipher decode

Synonyms by register

Formal

comprehend discern apprehend grasp

Informal

get figure out make sense of crack

Literary

plumb sound gauge

Antonyms

misunderstand ignore disregard overlook skim superficialize

Common collocations

  • fathom the depths
  • fathom the meaning
  • fathom the complexity
  • fathom the mystery
  • fathom the implications
  • fathom the situation
  • fathom the problem

Word family

noun fathoming
verb fathom

Usage note

Primarily used in the negative to express inability to understand something complex or mysterious. For example, 'I cannot fathom why he did that.'

Example sentences

  1. I cannot fathom why she would do that.
  2. The depth of the lake is measured in fathoms.
  3. I cannot fathom how he managed to lift that heavy weight.
  4. She couldn't fathom why he was ignoring her.

Quotes

  • I cannot fathom the depths of love.
  • The ocean is a world of its own, and I cannot fathom it.
  • The human mind is so complex, I cannot fathom it.

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