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
Quanta Magazine, 15 May 2026
And also my faith, and understanding that God didn’t bring me this far just to bring me this far.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 20 Jan. 2026
Chastain, who is the lead star and an executive producer of the series, was not especially understanding.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
Kody Boye, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2026
In practice, this looks like a provider not only asking about symptoms, but understanding context.
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Noun
For just one example of how this firehose of data is expected to transform our understanding of the cosmos, consider supernovas, the brilliant death throes of exhausted stars.
—Quanta Magazine, 15 May 2026
And also my faith, and understanding that God didn’t bring me this far just to bring me this far.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
Adjective
That’s why understanding how carbon monoxide detectors work is essential for protecting your household.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 20 Jan. 2026
Chastain, who is the lead star and an executive producer of the series, was not especially understanding.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
This is the key to understanding why pest control is a year-round process.
—Kody Boye, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 May 2026
In practice, this looks like a provider not only asking about symptoms, but understanding context.
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
-
They’re caught up in this bureaucratic system, this transfer system, these standardization agreements across state lines, so that anybody can move anywhere.—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
-
The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, but the plea agreement says the government will recommend level reductions in the sentencing guidelines.—
Andrew Blankstein,
NBC news,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Modern presidents from Ronald Reagan to Barack Obama to Joe Biden spoke to the Jewish community in the language of protection, inclusion, and appreciation for the contributions Jews have made to American life.—
Ari Berman,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
-
This strategy allows investors to collect premium income while retaining a window for capital appreciation, a necessary feature when a stock exhibits the fundamental and technical strength currently seen in XOM.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Similarly, while conversational agents can reflect compassionate language, genuine compassion comes from a place of concern.—
Steve D. Klein,
STAT,
14 May 2026
-
Advice on relationships, family, work and everyday life with practical, compassionate guidance and a touch of humor.—
R Eric Thomas,
Baltimore Sun,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
But deriving a unified theory of volcanism will require a geologic Manhattan Project.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
8 May 2026
-
On Thursday, a jury found Geisy Rodriguez Brito, 33, of Royal Palm Beach, guilty of human trafficking and unlawful use of a two-way communications device but not guilty of deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution or witness tampering.—
Shira Moolten,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Still, the answer to treating PMOS isn’t just patients knowing what to look for and what to do, experts say.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
13 May 2026
-
The two have since built an unspoken connection, each knowing when the other is feeling especially bogged down by the conflict.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
The study creates new criteria for deciphering old dice and allows archaeologists to further explore how games have evolved over time, researchers say.—
Taylor Nicioli,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The clicks are part of a growing sperm whale phonetic alphabet that researchers at CETI are deciphering.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Washington and Tehran announced a ceasefire last month but have been struggling to thrash out a permanent peace pact.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
15 May 2026
-
Over at the Cannes Market, the biggest deal so far is Amazon’s $70M pact with Miramax for Supermax, an action-thriller starring Will Smith.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Economists said the perception of steady growth has masked underlying structural issues that can easily compound.—
Stephanie Yang,
CNN Money,
12 May 2026
-
Rahm, though, is keenly aware of the perception.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
