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
Additionally, partners need to have a clear understanding of how the innovator, supply chain and brand will share the risks associated with adopting a new technology. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 The lyrics point to an understanding that change requires sacrifice. — Literary Hub, 23 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
The science writer Ann Finkbender wrote a charming essay about understanding this principle of life in Last Word on Nothing. — Shayla Love, Vox, 25 Oct. 2026 People not understanding this is strange to me, because Star Wars has essentially been doing this for 50 years across movies, shows, games and books, admittedly without the tonal variety. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
  • Carmelo Anthony and La La Anthony (née Vázquez) reportedly have reached a settlement agreement after almost a decade-long split.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • In a plea agreement, Rice pleaded guilty to two third-degree felony charges.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Whether or not students walk away wanting to pursue a career in STEM, this incredible immersion in astronomy can help to foster a lifelong appreciation for science and nature.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The play forced the Heat (2-5) to call a timeout as Doncic pointed at LaRavia in appreciation.
    — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Communities become more inclusive, compassionate, and connected.
    — Jeffrey Zirulnick, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Gentle parenting has become a buzzword on social media, often presented as a calm, connected, and compassionate alternative to traditional discipline.
    — Alex Vance, Parents, 25 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
  • Reliability includes knowing when an arrangement needs to change.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Our community is dying; there’s an underlying sense of desperation, grief and pride that can both protect and suffocate out of a need to survive – this film is ultimately a love letter to us, with a sense of knowing.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Bahdanau was working with artificial neural networks, which had already shown promise in pattern-recognition tasks such as deciphering handwriting and identifying objects in photos.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026
  • In addition to developing better medicines or perfumes, deciphering the mirror images of molecules can help scientists understand the chemical architecture of life, said chemist Holden Thorp, editor-in-chief of the journal Science.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The pact has since been renewed as first-look, allowing Glover to work with other studios.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Its trade pact with Canada, signed Tuesday, is expected to boost exports to the emirates in aerospace, cereals, machinery, and vehicles.
    — Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Totally changes your perception of the top- and bottom-line misses .
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Back Up Boundaries With Data Use data to establish boundaries to remove any perception of emotion or subjectivity.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 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 Nov. 2026.

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