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
Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026
In just two years, the farm has become a beacon for Black Angelenos and visitors seeking community and a deeper understanding of farming.
—Martine Thompson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026
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
Robert Lea, Space.com, 20 Feb. 2026
In turn, Generation Alpha kids might grow up understanding the importance of overall well-being.
—Sarah Cottrell, Parents, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Noun
That this passion for art has given it any greater understanding of actual human nature might be.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 27 Feb. 2026
In just two years, the farm has become a beacon for Black Angelenos and visitors seeking community and a deeper understanding of farming.
—Martine Thompson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 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
Thus, understanding the impact of black holes on their home galaxies is vital for understanding galactic evolution.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 20 Feb. 2026
In turn, Generation Alpha kids might grow up understanding the importance of overall well-being.
—Sarah Cottrell, Parents, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
-
Today’s Full Moon, also a Lunar Eclipse, emphasizes your 7th House of Partnership, inviting clear agreements across your important connections so cooperation feels balanced.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The acknowledgment comes after a public feud between Anthropic and Washington over safeguards for its Claude AI systems, which ended without an agreement.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Walmart, in an email to The Associated Press, expressed its appreciation for the commitment and effort of its drivers, highlighting their important role in delivering quality service and products to customers.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Stasevska, with her razor-sharp appreciation of the power of Glass’ work, is the ideal conductor to bring it there.—
Tim Greiving,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Peter’s complicated, compassionate personality continues to drive the series.—
Oline H. Cogdill,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Mar. 2026
-
His sense of humor was unmatched, and his ability to connect with anyone was a testament to his compassionate soul.—
Michael Guise,
CBS News,
4 Mar. 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
-
That combination of engagement and elusiveness, of knowing how much to say and how much to hold back, creates a tantalizing sense of mystery that keeps people curious, not only wanting more but wanting to know more.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
4 Mar. 2026
-
After Cocroft scored 30 points in Friday’s 70-52 win over Burlington for the regional title, it was mentioned that Cocroft is free to go offensively knowing Carter is locking things down on defense.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
When your speech is clear and reliable, no fog, no spin, no quiet evasions, people stop wasting energy deciphering you and start collaborating with you.—
Adam Dietz,
Big Think,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Pitch tipping — the art of deciphering what might be coming based on small tells a pitcher might have — is a legal and common practice.—
Evan Drellich,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The deal is Washington’s latest on the continent, with more than a dozen nations agreeing to similar pacts recently.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Former Saint Lucia Prime Minister Kenny Anthony and Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé both provided an update on the crisis in Haiti, including the signing of a national pact with more than 200 political parties and civil society groups.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Many Western expatriates in Abu Dhabi, Doha, or Dubai have sought to flee cities built in large part on a perception of safety.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Officials except the new elements will give drivers the perception of a narrower, more complex space, which will naturally lead to slower speeds.—
Jake Allen,
IndyStar,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
