Definition of understandingnext
1
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

understanding

2 of 3

adjective

understanding

3 of 3

verb

present participle of understand
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3

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
Noun
Even when the characters make questionable choices, the series seems more interested in understanding than judging them. — Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026 Rafi Ahmed, one of the great immunologists of our time, went on to help define our understanding of T-cell memory and how the immune system responds over time to infection and vaccination. — Robert C. Gallo, STAT, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Here’s how understanding fluid intelligence can give you a useful lens for how people think, learn and adapt in everyday life, according to psychological research. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 At the command, my commanding officer was very understanding. — Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 10 May 2026
Verb
These questions are fundamental to understanding the process of domestication. — Ornob Alam, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026 Gathering relevant data is a vital first step to understanding everything from the value of underground mineral deposits to the money held in pension funds. — Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
  • Instead of forcing agreement, stay curious about what needs tweaking.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The effort is part of the agreement between the DAF and Northrop Grumman that increases annual B-21 production capacity by 25% while maintaining focus on cost, schedule and performance.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Both father and son expressed an appreciation for Korean cinema.
    — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Growing up down south forever shapes your language, work ethic, appreciation for how hard life can be and so much more.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Perinatal palliative care is an important and compassionate option.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Rodriguez described her daughter as kind, compassionate and full of life.
    — Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • There is just enough wry humor—think Shaun of the Dead—sprinkled throughout to keep things from getting too grim, often deriving from Bryan’s cluelessness and general lack of skills.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The Chiefs finished dead last in the NFL with 362 yards deriving from explosive rushes last season.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Brady, meanwhile, knowing that Carter has the ability to defect tribes, wants a new ally.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The pathway to that knowing is to enter the story and imagine the unsaid.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In addition to developing better medicines or perfumes, deciphering the mirror images of molecules can help scientists understand the chemical architecture of life, said chemist Holden Thorp, editor-in-chief of the journal Science.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In addition to developing better medicines or fragrances, deciphering the mirror images of molecules can help scientists understand the chemical architecture of life, said chemist Holden Thorp, editor in chief of the journal Science.
    — Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The pact, set up earlier this year, is meant to coordinate defense and security cooperation among the three.
    — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The two firms had announced their partnership in 2021, after the Japanese company's pact with another Indian company, Future Retail, was terminated.
    — Priyanka Salve,Jenny Lee, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Andrew Garfield Then there are those who argue that the Method is misunderstood — first by actors, and subsequently by public perception.
    — Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • That is a perception Cheeks carried over in his 2020 move to then-ViacomCBS as President and CEO of CBS Entertainment, with David Nevins initially serving as the division’s Chief Content Officer.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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