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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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
The proposal revives a June understanding that collapsed after Iran resumed attacks on shipping, raising questions about whether Tehran is seeking diplomacy or time to sell more oil. — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 But more communication does not guarantee more understanding. — Jeff Leblanc, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 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
Audience retention is a better metric for understanding success in streaming. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026 The greater challenge is understanding what that data reveals. — Dr. Vasudeva Akula, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
  • The meeting came after the two countries announced an agreement last month to give the United States a stake in Venezuela's vast oil reserves.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026
  • StandardX has already signed agreements with leading fusion developers to manufacture tritium to support their missions in bringing fusion power to the grid.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • My appreciation to attractions officials, creative types, public relations folks and other experts who helped with facts, figures and fanciful requests.
    — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Jay brought that same appreciation for emotional vulnerability to his own writing.
    — John Kennedy, VIBE.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Playing Edward as the courtly and compassionate polar-opposite of his awful sister Fanny, MacKay brings a gentle diffidence that syncs beautifully with Edgar-Jones’ delicate reserve.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Her reasoning was that Ted's compassionate coaching style is possible only because Rebecca, as the club's owner, permits it.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 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
  • The candles are all different lengths, gradually burning out, and there’s no way of knowing how long each one is.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • In cities like Atlanta, inking deals can rely on knowing the right people or on multigenerational relationships.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 24 Sep. 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
  • Finally, the case for continuing Republican support remains grounded in voters’ perceptions of Republican competence on the economy, border security and crime.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • But human beings are continuously processing perception, memory, sensory input, experience and physical response.
    — J.K. Dickinson, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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