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

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
The same three factors—reversibility, understanding and cost—decide every tier, every time. Karthik Kannan, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026 The data will help atmospheric physics and chemistry researchers improve their models to further our understanding of the potential damage the growing satellite industry might do to the planet and its climate in the future. Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Adjective
At the command, my commanding officer was very understanding. Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 10 May 2026 Letting go of the camera metaphor could be a step toward better understanding how memory works. Gabrielle Principe, The Conversation, 5 May 2026
Verb
Knowing where those cameras are located is important, both for understanding how extensive the network has become and for knowing where police could potentially track a vehicle's movements. Mike Stunson, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 His drive, his motor, understanding his role, just being there for his teammates. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
  • According to the investigation, the Clippers broke league rules by initiating off-court income opportunities and facilitating endorsement agreements between Leonard and four companies that also did business with the team.
    Josh Feldman, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Hours after City lost 3-0 to Arsenal in Cardiff, news broke of an agreement with Barcelona for Rodri.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • After dealing with the online hate (and appreciation) for months, Gunn’s mental health took a toll.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • His father has a particular appreciation for long-running fantasy leagues.
    Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Libra September 23 – October 22 The routine that keeps draining you may need a more compassionate rhythm.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The vaccine is being used under a compassionate-use program, which allows a medical product to be used in a serious disease situation even though it has not been specifically approved for that particular use.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In 1995, the death of 16-year-old John Marshall, who suffered a heart attack deriving from an undiagnosed condition known as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, proved to be a line-in-the-sand moment.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • There's no retrieval system for reusing institutional knowledge rather than re-deriving it.
    Imran Aftab, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Bob Howell, executive vice president and chief sales officer at Manhattan Associates, said Boscov’s has a proud history of knowing their customers and communities.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • There is no way of knowing whether other district court judges will rule, as Valenzuela did, on the question of funding connected to Title IX.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • And navigating a website might involve deciphering images or knowing what links to click.
    Jennifer D. Kobrin, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The prevention of future pandemics relies on information from previous outbreaks, which is one reason why deciphering the origins of the COVID-19 began is important.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In recent years, Canberra has also inked mutual defense agreements with Fiji and Papua New Guinea alongside negotiations for a similar pact with Tonga; deals with Tuvalu and Vanuatu restrict them from security cooperation with Beijing.
    Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The financials are also unmatched, with last year’s annual check to each franchise from 345 Park Ave topping $450 million from leaguewide deals, primarily driven by the NFL’s $125 billion in media pacts.
    Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • There’s no tangible title on the line in this one – there’s only perception.
    Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Quite the sobering commentary on society, but the next WNBA commissioner must understand the high-wire act of being in charge while combating the perception of not being warm enough.
    Candace Buckner, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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