1
as in agreement
an arrangement about action to be taken
the tenants came to an understanding with the landlord that they would be able to renew their leases for the same rent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
as in compassionate
having or showing the capacity for sharing the feelings of another
a kind and understanding teacher who often helps troubled students
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in deriving
to form an opinion or reach a conclusion through reasoning and information
as I understand it, this is the best plan that we have
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in knowing
to have a practical understanding of
I think I understand how an engine works now
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in deciphering
to have a clear idea of
after a few weeks in Russia I began to understand the language a little bit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of understanding
Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2026
These provide new insights into semi-aquatic peirosaurid crocodyliforms and expand our understanding of their reproductive strategies.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 7 Mar. 2026
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
Judy Berman, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
Thus, understanding the impact of black holes on their home galaxies is vital for understanding galactic evolution.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Noun
For others, the decision to sell the refund rights was worth it to not deal with shelling out resources for a legal team or the headache of understanding and then undergoing the process to receive the refunds.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2026
These provide new insights into semi-aquatic peirosaurid crocodyliforms and expand our understanding of their reproductive strategies.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 7 Mar. 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
Monica doubts this highbrow Brit is capable of understanding Reggie’s rags-to-riches-to-infamy tale.
—Judy Berman, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
Thus, understanding the impact of black holes on their home galaxies is vital for understanding galactic evolution.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
-
The agreement is for the company to pay either the minimum rent for the space at the airport, or 25% of yearly revenue, whichever is more.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Among Hasner’s early acts was his choice to sign a 287(g) agreement, forcing FAU’s police department to train and collaborate with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).—
Karen J. Leader,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
People around you should respond well to honesty and appreciation.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Price appreciation has slowed, but homes are still expensive, so large monthly mortgage payments will deter many from buying their first home or from upgrading to a larger home.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Advice on relationships, family, work and everyday life with practical, compassionate guidance and a touch of humor.—
R Eric Thomas,
Baltimore Sun,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Lawmakers can do their part by prohibiting intentional vehicular killing of wildlife, which would go a long way toward creating a legacy of just and compassionate wildlife stewardship.—
Wendy Keefover,
Denver Post,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The very legitimacy of deriving general principles from the particulars of experience can never be established from experience without already having the principle in hand.—
Christopher Beha,
New Yorker,
14 Feb. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
His aerial strength and positional awareness allow SDFC’s midfield to step higher, knowing the back line remains stable.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Pat, not knowing about her relationship with Lockjaw, takes to being a father, but Perfidia pulls away, choosing to continue her work as a revolutionary in lieu of settling down.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
When your speech is clear and reliable, no fog, no spin, no quiet evasions, people stop wasting energy deciphering you and start collaborating with you.—
Adam Dietz,
Big Think,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Pitch tipping — the art of deciphering what might be coming based on small tells a pitcher might have — is a legal and common practice.—
Evan Drellich,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In reality, the new pact was a much lighter arrangement compared with the splashy (and very expensive) one that birthed Harry & Meghan, Polo and With Love, Meghan, among other projects.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Japan and Canada will start negotiations aimed at achieving a defense pact that would simplify procedures for their miliary visits, joint exercises and other operations.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The lack of an independent regulator — or even public perception that a nuclear regulator isn’t independent — can be tremendously damaging, said MacFarlane, the former NRC commission chair.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN Money,
10 Mar. 2026
-
However, as tastes evolve, so does our perception of what feels fresh and what feels outdated.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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