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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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.
-
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.
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.
-
Furthermore, modeling vulnerability and continuous learning builds trust, while honoring small, often unseen acts of appreciation fosters connection.
Adjective
-
At their best, Cancers are compassionate, loyal, intuitive and deeply devoted.
-
And the Supreme Court's ruling says that this means those people'spunishments are not extraordinary or compelling, as the compassionate release program mandates.
Verb
-
Adoring the outcome means deriving joy from seeing the success of others.
-
But deriving a unified theory of volcanism will require a geologic Manhattan Project.
Verb
-
Mabinty was remembered as a beautiful soul whose kindness, love, and hardworking spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
-
Searching for Sanchez-Munoz Despite police knowing a suspect’s identity so early, Sanchez-Munoz — who was considered armed and dangerous — was still not in custody Wednesday.
Verb
-
An education tent will provide free education and resources regarding topics from deciphering Title IX to end-of-life care and self-advocacy.
-
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.
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.
-
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.
Noun
-
But beyond public perception, USCIS, the agency that processes petitions for employment authorizations, green card and citizenship applications, has been impacted by the early 2025 workforce cuts.
-
With the country cash-strapped, the Arab Spring of 2011 set off a wave of mass migration into Europe, which coincided with the widespread perception that the extra numbers were placing further strains on already creaking resources of jobs, housing and healthcare.
Cite this Entry
“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
