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
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026
With the understanding that coming out the other side is not just possible.
—Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
New Atlas, 2 May 2026
That’s why understanding how carbon monoxide detectors work is essential for protecting your household.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 20 Jan. 2026
Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
Cary Edmondson / Imagn Images A long, long time ago, back when the internet was good, statheads were convinced that baseball statistics were the window into understanding baseball.
—Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Noun
Those leaders should be outraged, not celebrating the memorandum of understanding (MOU).
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 20 June 2026
With the understanding that coming out the other side is not just possible.
—Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Adjective
That’s important, because previously the 450h+ lived in a financial neighborhood that required either a generous bonus or a very understanding accountant.
—New Atlas, 2 May 2026
That’s why understanding how carbon monoxide detectors work is essential for protecting your household.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
Leonardi said its research output maps broad trends in understanding AI’s impact on work.
—Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
Cary Edmondson / Imagn Images A long, long time ago, back when the internet was good, statheads were convinced that baseball statistics were the window into understanding baseball.
—Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
-
Trump reiterated that military action remains on the table if Iran does not comply with their agreement.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
23 June 2026
-
The Obama-era Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, which requires presidents to submit agreements related to Iran’s nuclear program to Congress for approval, temporarily bars the president from waiving sanctions while lawmakers review.—
Eleanor Mueller,
semafor.com,
22 June 2026
Noun
-
At a time when the United States has tense relationships with many of its overseas allies, international tourists' appreciation of American culture offers a counterpoint to the animosity between politicians.—
Ava Berger,
NPR,
19 June 2026
-
Furthermore, modeling vulnerability and continuous learning builds trust, while honoring small, often unseen acts of appreciation fosters connection.—
Maria Ross,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
Family remembers Nazir Bell Bell's family described him as a bright and compassionate young man with a promising future.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
-
Plenty of evangelical pastors, writers, and advocates have called for and modelled a more compassionate and inclusive faith.—
Michael Luo,
New Yorker,
14 June 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
-
While there are lash-growth serums, lengthening mascaras, and even professional lash extensions, knowing when and how to use each of these methods is what will actually make a difference.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
17 June 2026
-
In the face of not knowing what AI will mean or become, our storytelling mind has jumped in to create answers where there are only questions, known in what is unknown.—
Nancy Colier,
Baltimore Sun,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
An education tent will provide free education and resources regarding topics from deciphering Title IX to end-of-life care and self-advocacy.—
Sophie Lindberg,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2026
-
Armed with an adventure kit, participants are summoned to a secret location where they’re tasked with deciphering cryptic codes, uncovering hidden symbols, navigating shifting alliances and outwit enemies and operatives stationed around the campus.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
The pact also stipulates that the key Strait of Hormuz trading route will be reopened after months of disruption for the global economy, but particularly oil and gas markets.—
Yuliya Talmazan,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
-
The legal obstacles also come as critics warn the pact gives Iran major economic benefits while leaving some of the most difficult nuclear and security questions for future negotiations.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Folding laundry, loading dishwashers, cleaning kitchens, and navigating cluttered homes require many of the same perception, manipulation, and reasoning capabilities that would eventually allow robots to operate independently on a battlefield.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
16 June 2026
-
In the City of Brotherly Love, Sirianni is stigmatized by the widespread perception of his limitations as an offensive strategist, and he’s often marginalized as a glorified caretaker of an operation fueled by an elite owner, rock-star GM, brilliant defensive coordinator and talent-rich roster.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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