understanding 1 of 3

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
1
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
Her studies led her to psychotherapy for healing, like EMDR, and a better understanding of how the nervous system operates. Renée Onque, CNBC, 25 June 2025 There are two versions of the draft memorandum of understanding included in Thursday’s agenda — a two-year MOU that allows more flexibility for the charter school and a five-year MOU with firmer terms affecting the school’s leadership and its relationship with other St. Hope entities. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2025
Adjective
Validation means recognizing and accepting an employee’s feelings, fostering a supportive and understanding environment that boosts morale and productivity. Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 But despite the nightmare scenario, the couple said their fellow passengers were incredibly understanding. Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
  • Then, last year, Firefly announced an agreement with the Swedish Space Corporation to launch Alpha from Esrange Space Center as soon as 2026.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 June 2025
  • The union opted out of the current CBA last October, and now both sides have until Oct. 31 to reach a new agreement to avoid a possible work stoppage.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • By the 1910s—several decades after van Gogh died by suicide in 1890—Japanese artists and writers found an appreciation for the Dutch painter, per the Art Newspaper.
    Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 June 2025
  • After a grueling two-day manhunt, Vance Boelter, the suspect accused of shooting two Minnesota state lawmakers, was captured and Minnesota lawmakers and the governor are expressing their appreciation for those who are helping bring him to justice.
    Christina Shaw, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2025
Adjective
  • Through his characters, Fellowes communicates his approval for a more compassionate and inclusive upper crust.
    Judy Berman, Time, 20 June 2025
  • This, for me, is a viable and compassionate way of supporting your people — those, like Griselda best said, who are the ones consuming your music and buying your concert ticket.
    Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • The meeting did not happen, though Biden was Vice President when then-President Barack Obama negotiated a pact that effectively sidelined Iran’s nuclear program until Trump withdrew from it in 2018.
    Karl Vick, Time, 23 June 2025
  • Remember, Russia signed a non-aggression pact with Adolf Hitler in 1939 that started World War II, then invaded Poland from the east 16 days after Hitler invaded from the west.
    Carl Burdette, Baltimore Sun, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • The concert raised over £114 million but has also since faced criticism regarding perceptions of African nations and aid distribution.
    Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 23 June 2025
  • Even the perception that government data could be manipulated by politics could change that.
    Andrea Hsu, NPR, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • Iran’s missile strike against a U.S. military base in Qatar was met with near-unanimous rebuke in the Middle East, including from sympathetic powers such as Oman.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 23 June 2025
  • Trump and his cabinet members have repeatedly characterized Khalil’s advocacy as antisemitic and as being sympathetic to Hamas, which the U.S. designates as a terrorist organization.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • With so many cruise lines and many more ships, deciding which cruise to book for your family’s next vacation can feel daunting.
    Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 11 Mar. 2025
  • There are several considerations when deciding where to live and retire.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • That video led to a call from the CEO, a trip to the Magic Live convention in Las Vegas, and a surreal encounter.
    Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Kove also made headlines earlier this week following an incident that occurred at a fan convention in Puyallup, Wash.
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 27 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on understanding

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!