understanding 1 of 3

Definition of understandingnext
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as in appreciation
the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something a social observer with a deep understanding of the problems that the nation's cities face in the 21st century

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

understanding

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adjective

understanding

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verb

present participle of understand
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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 understanding
Noun
The team sent a survey to fans Saturday through email with the goal of better understanding preferences related to amenities, experiences and potential ticket offerings. Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 28 Mar. 2026 The problem seems to be a lack of transparency and understanding about how property taxes work at each local jurisdiction. Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Thanks to Comedy Central and ‘South Park’ fans for being so understanding. Jack Dunn, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025 Thanks to Comedy Central and South Park fans for being so understanding. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
Looking beyond current wealth, Rojeck wants readers to take an open-minded approach to deeply understanding finances and the nuances that come with it, at any scale. Madison Beveridge, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026 Tyler Underwood said Stojaković has embraced the role change, understanding that the majority of a game is about what a player does without the ball in his hands. Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
  • Start by reading the contract – that's the agreement between you and the car rental company.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
  • One lawsuit, filed against Guadalupe Centers by former human resources director Shirley Folch, was eventually dismissed by agreement from the two sides last year, while another, filed against Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools by former Superintendent James Hammen, remains pending.
    Nathan Pilling March 31, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • And on Friday, the cheers before his first at-bat in the top of the first inning were long enough that both plate umpire Chris Segal and Red Sox catcher Carlos Narvaez stepped away from the plate to allow a sellout crowd of 36,233 to show its appreciation.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Later, when Shell expressed appreciation, Cipriani pitched Star Serenade, initially over the phone — presuming the executive would, at the least, boost its chance for an inside track at a green light.
    Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Investing in specialized, age-appropriate behavioral health programming is both compassionate and practical.
    Crystal Hudson, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
  • With each conversation, Christina stayed compassionate, caring, and curious about his HS—the three C's Chaz wanted in a partner.
    Health Editorial Team, Health, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The very legitimacy of deriving general principles from the particulars of experience can never be established from experience without already having the principle in hand.
    Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Large language models represent the first technology capable of analyzing, contextualizing and deriving insights from this avalanche of information.
    Sahar Hashmi, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Moderate exercise helps, but high-intensity overtraining can raise cortisol further, worth knowing if punishing workouts are already part of a stressed routine.
    Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Ruca told Fox News Digital there were a few bittersweet feelings going into the match, just knowing what the two have been through together.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The clicks are part of a growing sperm whale phonetic alphabet that researchers at CETI are deciphering.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Binary neutron stars have long been considered the best bet for deciphering what lurks within.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The union is not releasing details of the pact until after union members participate in a ratification vote, which will take place within the next few days.
    Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Brown told reporters the agreement with New Zealand didn’t affect his country’s other pacts.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The robot includes a perception system with dual RGB and RGB-D cameras, optional 3D LiDAR, and a six-microphone circular array for voice interaction.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
  • If that combination of traits doesn’t inspire a little awe, perhaps the problem isn’t the rats — but our perception of them.
    Jason Bittel, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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