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
Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
More research could shed light on these pathways that could lead to a greater understanding of the causes of cancer at a molecular level.
—Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 13 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
Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026
Davis told Variety that Bulochnikov-Paul’s experience is a sign of how much progress has been made in research and understanding how to manage the diseases, which affects different people in different ways.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Noun
With nearly all the votes counted, Angelenos are now getting a more granular understanding of the strongholds built up by each of the top three mayoral candidates.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
More research could shed light on these pathways that could lead to a greater understanding of the causes of cancer at a molecular level.
—Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 13 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
While this energy focuses more on couples, exploring and understanding your needs and sexuality will feel deeply fulfilling at this time.
—Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 7 June 2026
Davis told Variety that Bulochnikov-Paul’s experience is a sign of how much progress has been made in research and understanding how to manage the diseases, which affects different people in different ways.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
-
As part of the distribution agreement, the slate will also roll out in mainland China via Xiaohongshu, the digital lifestyle platform whose daily active user base tops 200 million.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
16 June 2026
-
One of the project’s most significant adversaries is the city of Sacramento — while the area is not under their governance, city officials argue the development would violate a decades-old habitat conservation agreement with the county.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2026
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.—
Ava Berger,
NPR,
19 June 2026
-
Furthermore, modeling vulnerability and continuous learning builds trust, while honoring small, often unseen acts of appreciation fosters connection.—
Maria Ross,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Adjective
-
Family remembers Nazir Bell Bell's family described him as a bright and compassionate young man with a promising future.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
-
Plenty of evangelical pastors, writers, and advocates have called for and modelled a more compassionate and inclusive faith.—
Michael Luo,
New Yorker,
14 June 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
-
While there are lash-growth serums, lengthening mascaras, and even professional lash extensions, knowing when and how to use each of these methods is what will actually make a difference.—
Alanna Martine Kilkeary,
Glamour,
17 June 2026
-
In the face of not knowing what AI will mean or become, our storytelling mind has jumped in to create answers where there are only questions, known in what is unknown.—
Nancy Colier,
Baltimore Sun,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
An education tent will provide free education and resources regarding topics from deciphering Title IX to end-of-life care and self-advocacy.—
Sophie Lindberg,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2026
-
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.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
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.—
Yuliya Talmazan,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
-
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.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
Folding laundry, loading dishwashers, cleaning kitchens, and navigating cluttered homes require many of the same perception, manipulation, and reasoning capabilities that would eventually allow robots to operate independently on a battlefield.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
16 June 2026
-
In the City of Brotherly Love, Sirianni is stigmatized by the widespread perception of his limitations as an offensive strategist, and he’s often marginalized as a glorified caretaker of an operation fueled by an elite owner, rock-star GM, brilliant defensive coordinator and talent-rich roster.—
Michael Silver,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
