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
Additionally, partners need to have a clear understanding of how the innovator, supply chain and brand will share the risks associated with adopting a new technology. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 The lyrics point to an understanding that change requires sacrifice. — Literary Hub, 23 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
  • After six weeks of filling in as lead NFL game analyst for CBS Sports, Watt has reached a multi-year agreement to continue alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz in the network’s top broadcast booth.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Lawmakers from the candidates’ respective parties also found much agreement when debating a critical minerals law that centers domestic value addition earlier this year.
    — Eugenia Perozo, semafor.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Still, other voters expressed appreciation for the deluge of White House assistance.
    — Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Wednesday’s fan appreciation stuff was a swell gesture, as a start.
    — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Others discussed overcoming the initial awkwardness of the work and finding satisfaction in helping doctors become more competent and compassionate.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • At the same time, the lawsuits contend that chatbots are pretending to be agreeable and compassionate while preying on the vulnerable and on teenagers, the first generation to grow up with artificial intelligence.
    — Marc Levy, Fortune, 17 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
  • Here is something worth knowing about the category called rare disease.
    — Miranda Pappas, STAT, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Those details sketch an almost perfect outline of the experiences of Aleysha Ortiz, who graduated from Hartford Public Schools in 2024 without knowing how to read.
    — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 22 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
  • Time is one of Butler’s preoccupations—its fleeting nature, its nonlinear experience, its rubberbanding effect on our perception.
    — Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
  • What readers are saying The conversation explores the contrasting perceptions of two political figures, Marshall and Hamilton, in the context of Kansas politics.
    — Kathleen Parker, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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