as in understood
to have a clear idea of
failed to cotton on to the fact that her senatorial campaign was going nowhere
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cottoned (to or on to)
Verb
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According to the testimony of Raffaele Imperiale, an Italian cocaine trafficker and fellow Super Cartel member, Kinahan understood the unspoken rules of the city.—
Ed Caesar,
New Yorker,
30 Apr. 2026 -
What’s more, the LA jazz scene, at least as Bellerose understood it, felt like a relic, with old clubs like The Baked Potato catering more to tourists than adventurous musicians.—
Grayson Haver Currin,
Pitchfork,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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To a casual observer, the late-game pinch hitter stepping into the batter’s box Tuesday at Oswego East didn’t seem extraordinary, but Yorkville senior Brooke Ekwinski knew better.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
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The ominous buzzing of phones, the commingling of accomplishment and humiliation, the sudden pathos of cheap glass awards, the rage at their now-former CEO’s $11 million paycheck… David Frankel’s film knew exactly which buttons to push in our particular audience.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The researchers then deciphered certain traits that were linked to the habit.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
8 Apr. 2026
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Kinsella was excited for Yates’ voice to be an easter egg—one of many voices to be deciphered by fans among a scream-singing chorus.—
Jazz Monroe,
Pitchfork,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Scott recalled sitting in the waiting room and spotting a producer from the earlier film nearby, prompting him to try to avoid being recognized.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
2 May 2026
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Queens Assistant District Attorney Kevin Timpone said the 16-year-old defendant and the shooter were riding the train when the victim — who recognized the teen from the prior shooting — ran up and started fighting with him.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Moving a blade back and forth to try to saw biscuits apart will make their layers stick (and ruin the rise).—
Ella Quittner,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
20 Mar. 2026
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Ruggeri says that, in comparison to saw palmetto, which gets far more attention.—
Adam Hurly,
Robb Report,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The company expects a little more of an impact in its Q2, but Cook said it’s fully comprehended in the above Street outlook of 48% to 49%.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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That extra time doesn't necessarily result in the struggling student performing better than the student who grasped the assignment more quickly.—
Ariel Gilreath,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2026
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Brooke said moments during filming forced her to confront lingering insecurities about whether her father ever fully grasped her independence and success.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Reds manager Terry Francona has appreciated his hitters’ early-game discipline.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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There also remain fears that AI disruption in the labor market are yet to be fully appreciated.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
27 Apr. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Cottoned (to or on to).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cottoned%20%28to%20or%20on%20to%29. Accessed 3 May. 2026.
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