Definition of understandingnext
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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
The proposal revives a June understanding that collapsed after Iran resumed attacks on shipping, raising questions about whether Tehran is seeking diplomacy or time to sell more oil. — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 But more communication does not guarantee more understanding. — Jeff Leblanc, The Conversation, 25 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
Under the memorandum of understanding the two sides signed in June that collapsed within days, Iran’s nuclear program was meant to be discussed over a 60-day period. — Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026 Yet, even presuming that the government could beat back Native powers, intelligently dividing that unseen area into plots would require understanding its geography, soil, and waterways. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
  • The meeting came after the two countries announced an agreement last month to give the United States a stake in Venezuela's vast oil reserves.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026
  • StandardX has already signed agreements with leading fusion developers to manufacture tritium to support their missions in bringing fusion power to the grid.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • My appreciation to attractions officials, creative types, public relations folks and other experts who helped with facts, figures and fanciful requests.
    — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Jay brought that same appreciation for emotional vulnerability to his own writing.
    — John Kennedy, VIBE.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Playing Edward as the courtly and compassionate polar-opposite of his awful sister Fanny, MacKay brings a gentle diffidence that syncs beautifully with Edgar-Jones’ delicate reserve.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Her reasoning was that Ted's compassionate coaching style is possible only because Rebecca, as the club's owner, permits it.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 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
  • The candles are all different lengths, gradually burning out, and there’s no way of knowing how long each one is.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • In cities like Atlanta, inking deals can rely on knowing the right people or on multigenerational relationships.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • For these scrolls, the best method for virtually unrolling and deciphering text would be to scan for lead first, according to Seiler.
    — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The first person to make progress on deciphering the stone was Thomas Young, a British Egyptologist who was also a respected physician and physicist.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Fabricating standardized modules The contract builds on a preliminary pact agreed between the two firms in August 2025.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The pact is expected to be signed at the ASEAN Summit this November, when leaders from the group’s 11 member states will converge in Manila.
    — Jon M. Huntsman, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Finally, the case for continuing Republican support remains grounded in voters’ perceptions of Republican competence on the economy, border security and crime.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • But human beings are continuously processing perception, memory, sensory input, experience and physical response.
    — J.K. Dickinson, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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