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.
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Recent Examples of understanding
Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2026
The finding could change the current understanding of how the Milky Way evolved in the distant past.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 May 2026
New Atlas, 2 May 2026
That’s why understanding how carbon monoxide detectors work is essential for protecting your household.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 20 Jan. 2026
Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
Because your husband is having trouble understanding that being alone in the house for extended periods isn’t good for your mental health (or physical health for that matter), perhaps your doctor can explain it to him.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Noun
For anyone trying to wake up sharper, calmer or less exhausted, that’s worth understanding.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2026
The finding could change the current understanding of how the Milky Way evolved in the distant past.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 May 2026
Adjective
That’s important, because previously the 450h+ lived in a financial neighborhood that required either a generous bonus or a very understanding accountant.
—New Atlas, 2 May 2026
That’s why understanding how carbon monoxide detectors work is essential for protecting your household.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
Since Ganymede likely hides a vast ocean beneath its ice shell, understanding how its magnetic field survives could offer clues about potentially habitable environments elsewhere in the solar system.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
Because your husband is having trouble understanding that being alone in the house for extended periods isn’t good for your mental health (or physical health for that matter), perhaps your doctor can explain it to him.
—Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
-
Trump has been threatening for weeks that the ceasefire struck in mid-April could end if Iran did not strike a deal, with shifting parameters for striking such an agreement.—
Michelle L. Price,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
-
This year, however, the band members were clearly in agreement about hitting the road to celebrate Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, albeit in much larger venues than the ones Corgan played on his own.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Coca-Cola 600 The 67th Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway has brought large crowds to Charlotte and Concord year after year for food, music, military appreciation and of course, racing.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
22 May 2026
-
Ayoud cultivated a deep appreciation of fashion history and the luxury industry early in life.—
Amina Ayoud,
Footwear News,
22 May 2026
Adjective
-
Similarly, while conversational agents can reflect compassionate language, genuine compassion comes from a place of concern.—
Steve D. Klein,
STAT,
14 May 2026
-
Advice on relationships, family, work and everyday life with practical, compassionate guidance and a touch of humor.—
R Eric Thomas,
Baltimore Sun,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
But deriving a unified theory of volcanism will require a geologic Manhattan Project.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
8 May 2026
-
On Thursday, a jury found Geisy Rodriguez Brito, 33, of Royal Palm Beach, guilty of human trafficking and unlawful use of a two-way communications device but not guilty of deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution or witness tampering.—
Shira Moolten,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Marcus tries to balance pushing Nick to keep playing while knowing his older brother has to do what’s best for him and his family.—
Joe Smith,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
Just worth knowing that the toilet facilities are going to be challenging to some.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 May 2026
Verb
-
Currently, judges in California courts are responsible for deciphering the nuances of California’s Invasion of Privacy law.—
Kate Wolffe,
Sacbee.com,
14 May 2026
-
The study creates new criteria for deciphering old dice and allows archaeologists to further explore how games have evolved over time, researchers say.—
Taylor Nicioli,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
One of the unique aspects of Apple’s pact with MLS is that MLS itself foots production costs, and is the entity that has hired IMG to produce its matches and studio content.—
Ian Nicholas Quillen,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
-
Under the pact, Smoove will serve as an executive producer and creative collaborator on a programming slate that will span formats and genres.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
The folks over at Blur Busters have extensively documented research showing that refresh rates of 1,000 Hz (and up) can reduce human perception of motion blur and flickering.—
Kyle Orland,
ArsTechnica,
19 May 2026
-
The findings reveal that bats possess the intelligence to actively manipulate the physical properties of their acoustic environment to enhance perception, rather than just forcing the brain to work harder.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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