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
Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2025
An understanding of how fathers might be affected in no way minimizes the attachment between mothers and their children, a bond that is (mostly) formed in the womb.
—Don Riddell, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 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
My track record reflects a deep understanding of how city government works and how to get things done.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2025
An understanding of how fathers might be affected in no way minimizes the attachment between mothers and their children, a bond that is (mostly) formed in the womb.
—Don Riddell, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 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
-
The California High-Speed Rail Authority, which does not comment on pending litigation, confirmed to Newsweek that the agreement had been reached.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Aug. 2025
-
To move forward with that plan, the county would need to amend the agreement and provide gap financing for the project.—
Desiree Mathurin,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Good news: An appreciation of good graces isn’t going anywhere, at least in our neck of the woods.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
16 Aug. 2025
-
As a gesture of appreciation for Phelps, the Ravens made a $100,000 donation to his foundation, which will in turn help more people gain confidence in the water.—
Sophie Kaufman,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Though a small sample, their reactions were notably compassionate towards transgender people and supportive of the doctors who provided their care.—
Time,
Time,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Being more compassionate and respectful to the needs of your squad and family, instead of just asserting your wants, adds a new dimension to your connection with them.—
Lisa Stardust,
Refinery29,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The first-quarter results highlight the pressure US import tariffs are putting on Japanese automakers, even as a trade pact between Tokyo and Washington offers potential relief.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
7 Aug. 2025
-
The longer-term relationships helped spur this new WWE pact, says Nick Khan, WWE’s president.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
6 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Over time, the language leaders use shapes not just perception, but pace and participation.—
Matthew Mathison,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Blending wit with emotional depth, Foreign Tongue turns a rare medical anomaly into a surreal, genre-defying reflection on identity, perception, and cultural belonging.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
During World War II, America was also fighting Germany and Italy, but during the war, far fewer German and Italian non-citizen immigrants were interned than Japanese and those who were interned had been carefully vetted by the FBI as being sympathetic to their former homelands.—
Paul L. Newman,
New York Daily News,
6 Aug. 2025
-
There's no telling if the judge who immediately granted the NYT such broad access, Ona Wang, will be sympathetic to OpenAI's arguments at this stage of the battle.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
5 Aug. 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
-
Richard and Rose-Marie Dujardin visited Milwaukee from Rhode Island on Aug. 15, 2022, for a Catholic Financial Life convention.—
Chris Ramirez,
jsonline.com,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Bower, who grew up going to Chuck E. Cheese (then Showbiz Pizza Place) in Flint, Michigan, sells artwork at comic conventions.—
Katherine Laidlaw,
HubSpot,
8 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share