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
Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 18 July 2025
The mission of the World Affairs Council is to advance global understanding and cultivate friendships within the community and around the world.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 July 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
Kim told Robb Report that Skog House will appeal to buyers with an understanding of and appreciation for Brutalist architecture.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 18 July 2025
The mission of the World Affairs Council is to advance global understanding and cultivate friendships within the community and around the world.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 July 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
-
In 2019, during the first Trump administration, the U.S. also suspended the trade agreement but it was lifted after a new agreement was reached, Jungmeyer said.—
Daniel Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
22 July 2025
-
The pair’s status as NATO members means each would defend the other if attacked, but the new agreement deepens cooperation, including further integrating arms exports, weapons development, and military doctrines, and a pledge to supply Ukraine with long-range weapons.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
21 July 2025
Noun
-
And there’s this deep appreciation for culture and the way these countries developed, especially as an outsider looking at the United States.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
11 July 2025
-
First, exhibit appreciation for and an interest in others’ abilities, skills, knowledge and perspectives.—
Susan Madsen,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Companies like Google and Salesforce offer extensive parental leave programs, recognizing that supporting employees during one of life’s most significant milestones is not only compassionate but smart business.—
Will Fan,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
That means unlearning the language that perpetuates harm and stereotypes, and being more compassionate and humane across the board.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
Russia and North Korea last year inked a mutual-defense pact, according to Russian and North Korean media.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 July 2025
-
The pact is the first sports rights deal for Fox Nation, which was launched by Fox Corp. in 2018 as a streaming companion to Fox News.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
In a video from the concert, Wonder pauses his show to speak to the audience about his personal life and how being blind has impacted his perception of the world around him.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
15 July 2025
-
At the same time, perceptions of coolness may vary across different age brackets.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
Young Sil is sympathetic, the result of an unethical science experiment.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
13 July 2025
-
Davenport is sympathetic to best-of-five giving women’s tennis a more even platform, but fears that critics of women’s tennis would still dig up something to find fault with.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
12 July 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
-
The arena will host at least 25 G League games, as well as concerts, sports tournaments, conventions and other events.—
John Tuohy,
IndyStar,
22 July 2025
-
Challenging conventions, the studio’s president Kevin Feige hired a heavyweight cast for Iron Man including Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert Downey Jr and Jeff Bridges.—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share