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
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
Yet none of these changed his understanding of God or of God’s creation. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2026 But my understanding of the system changed deeply the day my daughter died. — Lynne S. Moronski, STAT, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Here’s how understanding fluid intelligence can give you a useful lens for how people think, learn and adapt in everyday life, according to psychological research. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 At the command, my commanding officer was very understanding. — Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 10 May 2026
Verb
Key to understanding the Fizz—and understanding why the Williams Fizz is so unbelievably delicious—is to differentiate it from the Collins. — Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2026 My breadth of experience from my upbringing to fighting for Arkansans from all walks of life, gives me an advantage in understanding that life story every person brings into my court. — Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
  • Companies are only allowed to disclose them if the agreements are noncancellable.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Of the 13 most competitive Senate races, seven Republicans have expressed skepticism or outright opposition to the agreement that is unlikely to significantly affect high diesel costs contributing to broader inflation.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • For all her appreciation of history, Chiuri is determined to look forward.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The minister presented al-Shahat and his wife with certificates of appreciation, and awarded them a trip to Saudi Arabia to perform the Umrah pilgrimage in recognition of his honesty and responsible conduct for not keeping the discovery to himself.
    — Ahmed Shawkat, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The far left's open borders policy was not fair or compassionate.
    — WCCO Staff, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Judges could sometimes consider changes to the law when deciding whether to grant compassionate release to inmates who had served at least 10 years.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 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
  • In other words, knowing how ads prompt purchase decisions is even more of a brass ring than ever.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Feels like groundhog day to be back here knowing what the problem is and also knowing that the front office probably can't do anything about it.
    — James Mirtle, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Bahdanau was working with artificial neural networks, which had already shown promise in pattern-recognition tasks such as deciphering handwriting and identifying objects in photos.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026
  • In addition to developing better medicines or perfumes, deciphering the mirror images of molecules can help scientists understand the chemical architecture of life, said chemist Holden Thorp, editor-in-chief of the journal Science.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Creator deals unveiled at the market included Endemol Shine Brasil’s pact with Latino creator house Grupo Podpah.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Peacock earlier this year struck an innovative distribution pact to be bundled as part of a YouTube TV premium tier.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Advances robot Intelligence Neuron AI is a robot foundation model designed to combine visual perception, touch, sound, language, and memory to help robots perform complex tasks.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
  • In the race to build the most capable AI, the perception of which lab is ahead can change several times in a few months, as each major release gives rivals a new standard to meet.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on understanding

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster