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
Sinclair’s understanding of the workings of the motion picture industry did not engender confidence. — Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026 The great challenge of teaching is not to transmit information—machines do that cheaply now—but to engineer those moments of genuine understanding reliably enough that students come to crave them. — Dan Rockmore, New Yorker, 19 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
  • 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
  • In 1995, the death of 16-year-old John Marshall, who suffered a heart attack deriving from an undiagnosed condition known as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, proved to be a line-in-the-sand moment.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 6 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
  • And navigating a website might involve deciphering images or knowing what links to click.
    — Jennifer D. Kobrin, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The prevention of future pandemics relies on information from previous outbreaks, which is one reason why deciphering the origins of the COVID-19 began is important.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Turkey and Pakistan, with whom Riyadh signed a much-vaunted defence pact last month, aren’t rushing to help the Saudis out.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 20 Sep. 2026
  • And few analysts expect Turkey and Pakistan, which also recently signed a joint-defense pact with the Saudis, to commit troops to Yemen.
    — Kareem Fahim, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Since the end of the draft in 1973, according to my research, the success of military recruiting has largely hinged on young people’s perceptions of their chances for upward mobility.
    — Jeremiah Favara, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The psychological thriller/drama explores the aftermath of loss and the ambiguity between reality and perception.
    — Katherine Brodsky, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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