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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2
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
Heilbrun was speaking to his evaluation of Clancy’s case and her understanding of what is immoral. Nbc News, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2026 Iran and Oman are holding discussions under a provision in the memorandum of understanding signed by Washington and Tehran on June 17. Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 25 Aug. 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
For fellow author Marissa Stapley, Telfer’s book is key to understanding why con artists are seen as intriguing — an idea Stapley explored in her 2021 novel, Lucky. Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026 Paying the balance may seem like the simplest way to deal with the issue, but sending money without understanding the debt's status could have surprising consequences. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
  • The industry expectation is that there will be a lockout come December and that the sides won’t be able to reach an agreement until the spring at the earliest.
    Evan Drellich, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Cloud service agreements totaled $29 billion, with data center leases not commenced of $25 billion, equity investments of $25 billion, and capital expenditures of $8 billion.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Consequently, Shin believes the won has significant room for appreciation moving forward.
    , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Dolly once said a return to roots kept her sane, and appreciation for music that felt like her bloodstream moved her deeply.
    Martha Ackmann, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Clancy was an attentive mother and a compassionate nurse, said Margaret Hamp, a nurse who worked with the defendant.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • His friends in Hawaii remember him as thoughtful, kind, and compassionate.
    Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Understand that your parents must be deriving some satisfaction from encouraging your brother’s dependency.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Adoring the outcome means deriving joy from seeing the success of others.
    Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • Any pause and retracement back into that gap gives investors an opportunity to start to accumulate shares knowing that the $230 level should now act as support.
    Jay Woods, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Before work gives way to the weekend, take a few minutes to catch up on the California stories worth knowing today.
    James Ward, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Western San Gabriel Mountains/Highway 14 Corridor When an air quality alert pops up on the radar, deciphering its implications is crucial.
    Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 30 July 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • In his first major move six months into the multi-year pact, Wyle has brought in veteran TV executive Jeremy Gold as Head of Development and Production.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Netflix announced a pact with Langue to bring his two YouTube channels — The Kevin Langue Show and Kevin Langue 2 — to the service.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Everyone is interested in the motive because of the public perception that mothers don’t just kill.
    Dr. Susan Hatters Friedman, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Less quantifiable but just as true in broad perception is the team’s reputation for a lack of physicality — for being soft.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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