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
Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
More research could shed light on these pathways that could lead to a greater understanding of the causes of cancer at a molecular level.
—Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 13 June 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
Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026
Davis told Variety that Bulochnikov-Paul’s experience is a sign of how much progress has been made in research and understanding how to manage the diseases, which affects different people in different ways.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Noun
With nearly all the votes counted, Angelenos are now getting a more granular understanding of the strongholds built up by each of the top three mayoral candidates.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
More research could shed light on these pathways that could lead to a greater understanding of the causes of cancer at a molecular level.
—Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 13 June 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
While this energy focuses more on couples, exploring and understanding your needs and sexuality will feel deeply fulfilling at this time.
—Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026
Davis told Variety that Bulochnikov-Paul’s experience is a sign of how much progress has been made in research and understanding how to manage the diseases, which affects different people in different ways.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
-
As part of the distribution agreement, the slate will also roll out in mainland China via Xiaohongshu, the digital lifestyle platform whose daily active user base tops 200 million.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
16 June 2026
-
Five of those six convictions, including Teahan’s case, have ended with plea agreements before trial.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
The holiday season is an opportune time to acknowledge your appreciation for educators.—
Rylee Johnston,
PEOPLE,
11 Dec. 2025
-
The goal isn’t to fake joy, but to show appreciation for the thought behind the gift.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
11 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
And that’s what drove me creatively — to be authentic, but to be compassionate.—
Antonia Blyth,
Deadline,
10 June 2026
-
Nick Miller, a spokesperson for Rivas, said the Assembly’s goal was to deliver both a responsible and compassionate budget.—
Stephen Hobbs,
Sacbee.com,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
The name of the resort itself has a similar tie, with Candyroot deriving its name from a small native plant that grows in sandy soil.—
Erik Matuszewski,
Forbes.com,
19 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
-
Here was a man who answered the bell for nearly six years knowing that the audience had virtually disappeared because of a dispute with Comcast.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
11 June 2026
-
That real trust can be rare, from knowing other young lads (at Liverpool) and their experiences on loan.—
Andy Jones,
New York Times,
10 June 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
-
Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin have signed a mutual defense pact, and North Korea has sent soldiers, artillery ammunition and missiles to Russia to support Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
12 Dec. 2025
-
Researchers have recently been finding subtle ways that animals communicate with other species in this kind of cooperative defense pact.—
Jesse Greenspan,
Scientific American,
10 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Folding laundry, loading dishwashers, cleaning kitchens, and navigating cluttered homes require many of the same perception, manipulation, and reasoning capabilities that would eventually allow robots to operate independently on a battlefield.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
16 June 2026
-
Similarly, 89% of Gen Z say the restaurant’s cleanliness, and 75% say the restroom’s cleanliness, influences their perception of restaurant food safety.—
Guy Yehiav,
Fortune,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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