Definition of understandingnext
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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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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
At the command, my commanding officer was very understanding. — Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 10 May 2026 Letting go of the camera metaphor could be a step toward better understanding how memory works. — Gabrielle Principe, The Conversation, 5 May 2026
Verb
Under the memorandum of understanding the two sides signed in June that collapsed within days, Iran’s nuclear program was meant to be discussed over a 60-day period. — Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026 Yet, even presuming that the government could beat back Native powers, intelligently dividing that unseen area into plots would require understanding its geography, soil, and waterways. — Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 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
  • 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
  • The first person to make progress on deciphering the stone was Thomas Young, a British Egyptologist who was also a respected physician and physicist.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Fabricating standardized modules The contract builds on a preliminary pact agreed between the two firms in August 2025.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The pact is expected to be signed at the ASEAN Summit this November, when leaders from the group’s 11 member states will converge in Manila.
    — Jon M. Huntsman, Fortune, 24 Sep. 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 4 Oct. 2026.

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