Definition of understandingnext
1
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 system combines language understanding, visual perception, object recognition, decision-making, navigation, and full-body motion control within one framework. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026 Thus, using Abell 2255 as a cosmic laboratory to study the universe in radio waves could lead scientists to a better understanding of how magnetic fields come about and evolve. Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 July 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
CFOs are seeing only aggregate bills without understanding the underlying drivers. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 29 July 2026 According to Kolar, estimating how long $1 million in savings will last in retirement starts with understanding your current spending habits and then forecasting your future needs. Evan Zimmer, CNBC, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
  • The militant group Hamas has reached an agreement with the Board of Peace – tasked with implementing a long term ceasefire plan in Gaza – to relinquish its weapons, a senior official told CNN on Friday.
    Jeremy Diamond, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
  • Jennings says, in situations like this, the two parties usually come to an agreement, but this should be a lesson.
    Michael Abeyta, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • His appreciation for Twardzik, a tough and cerebral floor general for the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1970s, is a deeper cut.
    Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • Among the four major North American men’s sports leagues, MLB is the only one without a salary cap, and the appreciation of its franchises has lagged in comparison to the others.
    Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • Megrahi’s second appeal was later dropped as he was released on compassionate grounds due to a terminal prostate cancer diagnosis in 2009, according to NPR.
    Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026
  • Ultimately, navigating these challenging times with patience, humility, and authentic presence builds a resilient and compassionate organizational culture.
    Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Adoring the outcome means deriving joy from seeing the success of others.
    Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
  • But deriving a unified theory of volcanism will require a geologic Manhattan Project.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • But knowing how these shows work, Aaron will probably go home and Bryan and Bi will make it to the final to continue their rivalry there.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 July 2026
  • Not knowing the answer, the contestants used their lifeline to ask host Jimmy Kimmel.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • Jonestown afflicted Naipaul’s vision, his way of deciphering not just political manias but the dreariness of urban life, the perpetual doom of the nuclear-arms race.
    Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 14 July 2026
  • In 2023, the Vesuvius Challenge made its first award for deciphering the first letters, and the following year, the project awarded the grand prize of $700,000 for producing the first readable text.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • After selecting Braden Smith 38th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Pacers agreed to bring him in on a two-way deal, then the team signed Kobe Brown to a two-way pact early in the free agency period.
    Tony East, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • The pact will see ZDF’s on-demand content integrated into ProSieben’s streaming service, Joyn, from the fourth quarter of this year.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • Sight is what the eyes register; perception is discerning the underlying essence of events.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • That perception damages public confidence and undermines the work of the many honest public servants who faithfully serve their communities.
    Amy Elik, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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