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
Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 9 May 2026
The Highlands Ranch neighbors CBS Colorado spoke with are understanding of the drought restrictions and pricing.
—Olivia Young, CBS News, 9 May 2026
Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 20 Jan. 2026
Chastain, who is the lead star and an executive producer of the series, was not especially understanding.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
Kody Boye, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2026
In practice, this looks like a provider not only asking about symptoms, but understanding context.
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Noun
Some people know that there is no human on the other side but say that the simulation of connection and understanding is enough.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 9 May 2026
The Highlands Ranch neighbors CBS Colorado spoke with are understanding of the drought restrictions and pricing.
—Olivia Young, CBS News, 9 May 2026
Adjective
That’s why understanding how carbon monoxide detectors work is essential for protecting your household.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 20 Jan. 2026
Chastain, who is the lead star and an executive producer of the series, was not especially understanding.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
This is the key to understanding why pest control is a year-round process.
—Kody Boye, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2026
In practice, this looks like a provider not only asking about symptoms, but understanding context.
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
-
They’re caught up in this bureaucratic system, this transfer system, these standardization agreements across state lines, so that anybody can move anywhere.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
-
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, but the plea agreement says the government will recommend level reductions in the sentencing guidelines.—
Andrew Blankstein,
NBC news,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
The appreciation began at shootaround with the team displaying a tribute photo on the jumbotron inside the arena.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
8 May 2026
-
Her passion for design and meticulous attention to detail inspired my deep appreciation for creativity and craftsmanship.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
Addressing it requires a comprehensive and compassionate approach.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
-
Contemporary, timeless, and deeply intimate in its candor, Scenes From The Divide honored all viewpoints about Mamdani’s potential impact on the Jewish community by anchoring the title in a thoughtful, compassionate lead seeking understanding from voters.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
6 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
-
Still, the answer to treating PMOS isn’t just patients knowing what to look for and what to do, experts say.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
13 May 2026
-
The two have since built an unspoken connection, each knowing when the other is feeling especially bogged down by the conflict.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
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
-
The clicks are part of a growing sperm whale phonetic alphabet that researchers at CETI are deciphering.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Under the multi-year pact, Lopez will continue in his role at the helm of the Fire Country spinoff while also developing other projects for the studio.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
8 May 2026
-
Then the Motion Picture Academy went and struck a megadeal with YouTube to move the Oscars to the platform in 2029 — in a pact said to be in the nine-figure range.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Economists said the perception of steady growth has masked underlying structural issues that can easily compound.—
Stephanie Yang,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
-
Rahm, though, is keenly aware of the perception.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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