1
as in agreement
an arrangement about action to be taken
the tenants came to an understanding with the landlord that they would be able to renew their leases for the same rent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
as in compassionate
having or showing the capacity for sharing the feelings of another
a kind and understanding teacher who often helps troubled students
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in deriving
to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information
as I understand it, this is the best plan that we have
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in knowing
to have a practical understanding of
I think I understand how an engine works now
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in deciphering
to have a clear idea of
after a few weeks in Russia I began to understand the language a little bit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Renée Onque, CNBC, 25 June 2025
There are two versions of the draft memorandum of understanding included in Thursday’s agenda — a two-year MOU that allows more flexibility for the charter school and a five-year MOU with firmer terms affecting the school’s leadership and its relationship with other St. Hope entities.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2025
Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
But despite the nightmare scenario, the couple said their fellow passengers were incredibly understanding.
—Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Noun
Her studies led her to psychotherapy for healing, like EMDR, and a better understanding of how the nervous system operates.
—Renée Onque, CNBC, 25 June 2025
There are two versions of the draft memorandum of understanding included in Thursday’s agenda — a two-year MOU that allows more flexibility for the charter school and a five-year MOU with firmer terms affecting the school’s leadership and its relationship with other St. Hope entities.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2025
Adjective
Validation means recognizing and accepting an employee’s feelings, fostering a supportive and understanding environment that boosts morale and productivity.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
But despite the nightmare scenario, the couple said their fellow passengers were incredibly understanding.
—Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
-
Neither Lutnick nor Trump provided any details about the agreement.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
27 June 2025
-
Then, last year, Firefly announced an agreement with the Swedish Space Corporation to launch Alpha from Esrange Space Center as soon as 2026.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
That’s because stock is only taxed when it’s sold, and not on its appreciation in value; activists like the protesters in Venice this week want that to change.—
Phoebe Liu,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
-
Montano expressed appreciation for $5 million worth of federal grants that will be used to improve local intersections and school zones.—
Stephanie Lam,
Mercury News,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
This, for me, is a viable and compassionate way of supporting your people — those, like Griselda best said, who are the ones consuming your music and buying your concert ticket.—
Sigal Ratner-Arias,
Billboard,
20 June 2025
-
Through his characters, Fellowes communicates his approval for a more compassionate and inclusive upper crust.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
20 June 2025
Noun
-
The meeting did not happen, though Biden was Vice President when then-President Barack Obama negotiated a pact that effectively sidelined Iran’s nuclear program until Trump withdrew from it in 2018.—
Karl Vick,
Time,
23 June 2025
-
Remember, Russia signed a non-aggression pact with Adolf Hitler in 1939 that started World War II, then invaded Poland from the east 16 days after Hitler invaded from the west.—
Carl Burdette,
Baltimore Sun,
22 June 2025
Noun
-
Even the perception that government data could be manipulated by politics could change that.—
Andrea Hsu,
NPR,
23 June 2025
-
The concert raised over £114 million but has also since faced criticism regarding perceptions of African nations and aid distribution.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
Iran’s missile strike against a U.S. military base in Qatar was met with near-unanimous rebuke in the Middle East, including from sympathetic powers such as Oman.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
23 June 2025
-
Trump and his cabinet members have repeatedly characterized Khalil’s advocacy as antisemitic and as being sympathetic to Hamas, which the U.S. designates as a terrorist organization.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
20 June 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
-
That video led to a call from the CEO, a trip to the Magic Live convention in Las Vegas, and a surreal encounter.—
Tony Bradley,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
-
Kove also made headlines earlier this week following an incident that occurred at a fan convention in Puyallup, Wash.—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share