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
Well, at least to cosmologists who are using this simulation to transform (sorry, couldn't resist) our understanding of the universe's first stars. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026 The work has implications for our understanding of fluid dynamics and may have applications in areas such as pollution control and drug design. — Stephen Ornes, Quanta Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Here’s how understanding fluid intelligence can give you a useful lens for how people think, learn and adapt in everyday life, according to psychological research. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 At the command, my commanding officer was very understanding. — Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 10 May 2026
Verb
Still, understanding your own reason for saying yes or no can make the decision much easier. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026 Curtis recalled going to see the movie with a crowd and finally understanding why Carpenter had spent the shoot directing her to be more vulnerable. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
  • Starz did indeed go dark for Verizon Fios subscribers on Wednesday night, as both sides failed to come to a carriage agreement.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The project, which would revamp how visitors enter the White House grounds, is one Trump construction effort that has drawn wide agreement.
    — Dan Diamond, Washington Post, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Deep appreciation to Francesca Esmay and Simone Estrin for their invaluable counsel during the preparation of this essay.
    — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • This week heralds a new appreciation rite for the discerning reader.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Rodriguez described her daughter as kind, compassionate and full of life.
    — Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • His story demonstrates that innovation in caregiving can make communities more compassionate, connected and responsive.
    — The Sacramento Bee staff, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 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
  • So how did that work out for you, with this whole world applauding you for this, and then knowing people are pissed off too?
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Maryna Lystopad, 35, said her hair has started falling out due to the stress from escalating attacks and never knowing where the next attack will hit.
    — Susie Blann, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Come early to mingle with the cast, in character, of course, who may or may not need your help in deciphering some puzzles.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • Tony Romo carved out new terrain at CBS Sports after revealing a knack for predicting game play — all but forcing CBS to re-sign the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback to a multi-season pact in 2020 valued at around $17 million a year.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
  • As part of the pact, Sanofi is paying Regeneron $1 billion upfront, with possible milestone payments of up to $7 billion more.
    — Andrew Joseph, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists' 2022 review of fetal awareness concluded that pain perception requires an integrated network of neural connections.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • But this perception completely distorts what most Palestinians believe and are prepared to accept.
    — Michael Robbins, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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