understanding 1 of 3

1
2
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

2 of 3

adjective

understanding

3 of 3

verb

present participle of understand
1
2
3

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 analysis could help researchers form a better understanding of the prehistoric ecosystems of Oregon. Amanda Schupak, CNN Money, 25 Apr. 2025 The institute’s research has improved the world’s understanding of how certain tornadoes form, how hurricanes impact coastal communities, and how weather and clouds affect air flight and turbulence. Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Couldn’t have been more understanding, patient, and polite. Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2025 The team next intends to widen their analysis to include all tooth types, with the goal of better understanding biomechanical trade-offs between different shapes and sizes. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
  • If a deal is reached, sanctions would be imposed for any violation of the agreement or subsequent incursions into Ukraine.
    David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The discussion of the spending imbalance only figures to intensify as the clock ticks on the collective bargaining agreement, which expires after next season.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Home value appreciation in 40513 was on par with the No. 2 most expensive ZIP code: 41.7% over five years, from $383,166 in March 2020 to $542,888 in March 2025.
    Andrew DePietro, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • When Cyclists Made Up an Entire Political Bloc Erin Blakemore August 26, 2018 The League of American Wheelmen was originally intended to spread bicycle appreciation.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Officials expect about 100 prisoners each year will qualify for compassionate release, Buis said.
    Don Thompson, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2025
  • When delivering bad news, be succinct and compassionate.
    Roberta Matuson, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The company also struck a new distribution pact with DirecTV and expanded its portfolio of sports rights, securing the rights to broadcast the Olympics in Mexico through 2032.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The leaders signed new pacts covering railways, trade, security, and technology, including plans for a Kenyan consulate in Guangzhou.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • For any brand, especially industry leaders, organic search results and digital press are invaluable tools in shaping public perception.
    Darius Fisher, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The debate has continued to wax and wane according to the public perception of the threats.
    Jessi Jezewska Stevens, The Dial, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Reddit users in the comments section were sympathetic toward the former bridesmaid.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • He’s matched by his frequent scene mate Nevaeh as the sympathetic girlfriend, and Knight as Henry’s drunken, troubled father with secrets.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • With so many cruise lines and many more ships, deciding which cruise to book for your family’s next vacation can feel daunting.
    Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2025
  • There are several considerations when deciding where to live and retire.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Leake, a fixture in local politics for decades, announced her own candidacy at Saturday’s convention.
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 26 Apr. 2025
  • On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan had just finished speaking at a union convention and was emerging from the hotel when he was struck by a bullet from would-be assassin John Hinckley Jr. .
    Major Garrett, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on understanding

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!