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
In Year 2, Bryant is playing at an increased tempo that comes with a greater understanding of the offense. Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 Each provider has a memorandum of understanding with Child Start, which owns the school campus. Kate Sequeira, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 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
What might have seemed dull to a thought stimulated by the senses or by intellectual pursuits becomes an opportunity to listen for what Christ is imparting to us – nurturing our progress in understanding the things of Spirit, God. Tony Lobl, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Aug. 2026 Once your child starts spilling the beans about what’s bothering them, be understanding. Jenna Autuori-Dedic, Parents, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
  • The agreement between the three US allies comes as Saudi Arabia faces threats on multiple fronts and would compel each country to intervene if another is attacked, much like the pact between NATO nations.
    Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Williams also wanted to understand the agreement between the property owner and residents to help find suitable housing.
    Emily McLeod, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Campbell recently spoke to PEOPLE exclusively about his appreciation for Gerber’s bookish background.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Other board members, including Mavis Bates and Deborah Allan, expressed appreciation that the board was getting a jump on the budget.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Megrahi’s second appeal was later dropped as he was released on compassionate grounds due to a terminal prostate cancer diagnosis in 2009, according to NPR.
    Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026
  • Ultimately, navigating these challenging times with patience, humility, and authentic presence builds a resilient and compassionate organizational culture.
    Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Verb
  • Adoring the outcome means deriving joy from seeing the success of others.
    Chip Bell, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
  • But deriving a unified theory of volcanism will require a geologic Manhattan Project.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • One staffer who is still at the CDC said much of her anger is tied up in knowing that Kennedy’s feelings about vaccines are similar to the shooter’s.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • There’s a quiet comfort in knowing your neighbors, especially in a sprawling, sometimes lonely city like Los Angeles.
    Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Western San Gabriel Mountains/Highway 14 Corridor When an air quality alert pops up on the radar, deciphering its implications is crucial.
    Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 30 July 2026
  • Jonestown afflicted Naipaul’s vision, his way of deciphering not just political manias but the dreariness of urban life, the perpetual doom of the nuclear-arms race.
    Hua Hsu, New Yorker, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • Following the success of this year’s War Machine, Netflix and Alan Ritchson are making long-term plans under a new first-look feature deal while also revving engines on their first project under the pact.
    Justin Kroll, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The prospect of labor strife looms over the rest of this Padres/MLB season, what with the labor pact due to expire in December and both sides already drawing bright red lines in public statements.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Her research explores questions about the nature of the self, decision-making, temporal experience, philosophical methodology, causation, causal experience, time and time’s arrow, perception, mereology, constitution, and essence.
    Big Think, Big Think, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The story captures the very tactile, sensory details of Birdie’s physical world, and her thoughts and perceptions.
    Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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