understanding 1 of 3

Definition of understandingnext
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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

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adjective

understanding

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verb

present participle of understand
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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
You also might be attracted to technical subjects that require high-tech understanding. Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 31 Jan. 2026 When asked about a broader call to action, Lanning emphasized understanding and mutual respect among local businesses. Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Thanks to Comedy Central and ‘South Park’ fans for being so understanding. Jack Dunn, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025 Thanks to Comedy Central and South Park fans for being so understanding. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
Frank becomes more invested in the work, dipping into the caregivers’ manual and reading up on understanding dementia. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026 For business owners focused on increasing value, reducing risk, and preparing for a future sale, understanding what happens after the exit matters just as much as getting the deal done. Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
  • The agreement also explores adopting the SGE’s advanced physical warehousing system in Hong Kong, offering secure gold management for local and global participants while strengthening ties between on-exchange and over-the-counter (OTC) trading.
    Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Flurry of trade deals The agreement comes days after the EU signed a pivotal pact with the South American bloc Mercosur, following deals last year with Indonesia, Mexico and Switzerland.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The American Chamber of Commerce in China hosted an appreciation dinner on Thursday evening in Beijing while Starmer was visiting, which included representatives from the Chinese side.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026
  • There seemed to be a shift in tone among some members, who voiced appreciation for collaboration and the progress made toward a solution.
    Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Mahan has described such policies as more compassionate than leaving people to suffer on the streets indefinitely, but advocates have accused him of criminalizing homelessness.
    Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Aim to be mindful, compassionate, and respectful, Goldman says, and open the conversation in a kind, non-assuming way.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Large language models represent the first technology capable of analyzing, contextualizing and deriving insights from this avalanche of information.
    Sahar Hashmi, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Resolve this by walking your own path (literally) and deriving support from people who are capable of caring about you.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 5 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Low-resolution Surveying involves gathering surface-level information about a wide variety of topics—knowing a little about a lot of stuff.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • That includes knowing when to let go of something that no longer serves you.
    Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • As an avalanche and dead bodies ratchet up the suspense, Zach must lean on his mother’s wisdom to fight for his life while deciphering a confusing undercurrent of danger, violence and betrayal among the survivors.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
  • By building out a picture of the whales’ health, habits and diet, researchers are deciphering the many ways humans impact their lives and guiding conservation actions that may mean life or death for the orcas.
    Kelso Harper, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Ricardo Sheffield, a prominent Morena senator who was previously a member of the center-right National Action Party, has called for a review of oil pacts with Cuba.
    Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Policy changes that Northwestern agreed to included terminating the Deering Meadow Agreement, a 2024 pact with demonstrators under which the university had, among other things, provided temporary space for two Middle Eastern and Muslim student groups.
    Bill Chappell, NPR, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • System 2 handles high-level reasoning and language, System 1 translates perception into full-body motion at high frequency, and System 0 executes human-like balance and coordination at kilohertz rates.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 28 Jan. 2026
  • In Hollywood, where perception is everything, that narrative risks defining him permanently.
    Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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