Another Word for Read: 17 Synonyms with Examples
To read is to look at and understand written words, or to understand something in a particular way. Alternatives show how carefully or quickly the reading is done.
As a verb: look at written words
- study
- peruse
- scan
- skim
- browse
- pore over
- look through
As a verb: understand in a certain way
- interpret
- understand
- take
- construe
- see
As a verb: show a measurement
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- study
- Reads carefully in order to learn.
- peruse
- Traditionally means to read carefully, though often used to mean skim.
- skim
- Reads quickly for the main idea.
- scan
- Looks quickly through a text for something specific.
- pore over
- Reads very closely and for a long time.
- interpret
- Decides what a text or situation means.
Example sentences
- study: Study the contract before you sign it.
- peruse: He perused the menu while we waited for our table.
- skim: I skimmed the article on the bus.
- scan: She scanned the list for her name.
- pore over: They pored over old maps of the area.
- interpret: Critics interpret the ending in different ways.
Opposite of read
- write
- ignore
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “read”. Check the meaning before you use one.
verb: say
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “read”?
The most useful alternatives are “study”, “peruse”, “scan”, “skim”, “browse”. For the main sense (look at written words), “study” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “study” and “peruse”?
study: Reads carefully in order to learn. peruse: Traditionally means to read carefully, though often used to mean skim.
What is the opposite of “read”?
Common antonyms are “write”, “ignore”.