reading 1 of 2

noun

ˈrē-diŋ How to pronounce reading (audio)
Definition of readingnext
1
as in interpretation
a presentation of an artistic work (as a piece of music) from a particular point of view a very bizarre reading of one of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies by an alternative theater company

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in lesson
something assigned to be read or studied make sure you do the assigned reading for tonight

Synonyms & Similar Words

reading

2 of 2

verb

present participle of read
1
as in scanning
to go over and mentally take in the content of he always reads the newspaper in the morning as he eats breakfast

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in predicting
to tell of or describe beforehand the psychic claimed to be able to read his future

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 reading
Noun
Nick then did a slow, dramatic reading of each line of the text, with the collective laughter rising with each line. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2026 For example, a student with dyslexia could receive a scholarship that pays for supplemental reading programming or high-dosage tutoring. — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
Some guy was reading a Time magazine, and that was me on the cover in the big hand. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 30 Oct. 2026 The Next Generation producer Robert Justman happened upon a UCLA lecture featuring Stewart and witnessed him reading from Shakespeare in his trademark patrician style. — Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reading
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reading
  1. interpretation
  2. lesson
  3. scanning
  4. predicting
  5. version
  6. assignment
  7. perusing
  8. rendition
Noun
  • Concurrent with these updates, ZDHC published a PFAS position paper and practical interpretations, which reinforces the organization’s position against the intentional use of the substances in the textile, apparel, leather and footwear supply chain.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Given some of the uncertainty that can result as social media discussions make spot interpretations of data, producers expect to use new graphics and standards to make races easier to understand.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • An agent acts, the work gets scored, the lesson gets written down, and the next run is better.
    — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Deschaine sees the lessons in her class in the conversation at the dinner table.
    — Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of lesson
Verb
  • At the time, scientists lacked both the conceptual framework for single-atom exfoliation and advanced characterization tools like high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopes.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The readers, which are typically mounted on patrol vehicles or light poles, work by continuously scanning license plates and checking them against vast databases of cars wanted in connection with crimes.
    — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of scanning
Verb
  • Forecasters are predicting that the northeast and Mid-Atlantic will experience similar amounts of flooding as happened during a 2023 El Niño event — a record setting year.
    — Ava Berger, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Yet internal records show administrators had met weeks earlier to plan for the controversy, predicting both the locker room privacy concerns and the parent outrage over cut players.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of predicting
Noun
  • Previous versions included the planet’s core, mantle, crust and stellar radiation but did not account for the surface and atmosphere.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Handle what truly needs you, and protect a smaller version of your original intention if necessary.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of version
Noun
  • That is a difficult assignment against Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is tied for the league lead with 16 touchdown passes.
    — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026
  • An order from Justice Gabriel became no longer necessary after Weeks’ decision, which will lead to the assignment of a second visiting judge in the case.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of assignment
Verb
  • Kids get into all sorts of things on the internet, but no parent wants their young children perusing adult websites.
    — Chloe Albanesius, PC Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Charmain Ware-Jason of Murphy’s and Sug After Dark Entering VinoTeca on a recent Wednesday evening felt more akin to mingling at a dinner party than perusing a wine shop.
    — Lia Picard, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of perusing
Noun
  • Among them were images of the designer enjoying all the city had to offer, including a rousing rendition of karaoke that earned him a standing ovation.
    — Zachary Weiss, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Whitney Houston’s Super Bowl rendition of the national anthem played as everyone paused for the moment.
    — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of rendition

Browse Nearby Words

readiness
reading
reading out
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reading. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on reading

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reading

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