understanding 1 of 3

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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

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adjective

understanding

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verb

present participle of understand
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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
These cosmic enigmas defy our everyday understanding of space and time, swallowing light and matter and pushing the laws of physics to the extreme. Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2025 Psychologists have long studied how children develop theory of mind—an intuitive understanding of what other people know, think, and feel. Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
When empathy flows mostly in one direction, the emotional health of the relationship often relies on the more understanding partner. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025 Phelan has worked on other sets with less understanding crews, where she was asked to repeat complicated dance steps over and over again. Zoe G. Phillips, HollywoodReporter, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
Although the young cohort of professionals have previously called out their naysayers for not understanding their unique situation—now leaders are stepping in to back them up. Jim Edwards, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2025 Lawmakers are pressing for more meaningful information on Maxwell's interview transcripts, details of plea deals, surveillance footage, and other materials central to understanding the scope of Epstein's network. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
  • Four years later, the country’s government reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund after changing the Bitcoin Law, making bitcoin acceptance voluntary instead of compulsory.
    Javier Bastardo, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Some European leaders have suggested going as far as to send peacekeeping troops to enforce a post-war deterrence in Ukraine, while Russia wants a broader set of agreements that offer Moscow a greater say in the regional security landscape.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Hoffman grew up visiting the Cincinnati Zoo, which led to his appreciation for nature.
    Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Writer Claudia Riiff Finseth credits Tolkien’s Catholic upbringing and interest in Anglo-Saxon literature to his appreciation of the tree’s rich symbolism.
    Ellen Walker, JSTOR Daily, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The most compassionate and giving Doves know when to stand in their power and prioritize themselves.
    Vicki Salemi, Boston Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
  • How The Mind Architect Redefines Success Crone’s brand voice is characterized by intellectual rigor, compassionate understanding, and unwavering empowerment.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Athletes are now deriving income from many sources.
    Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Shades of brown everything is a big color trend for fall, which means knowing how to style brown boots with black has become a necessary skill.
    Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The city's restaurants, cafés, and bars reflect the diversity of Chicago's neighborhoods, and knowing where to stay is the key to having convenient access to the best spots.
    Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For families deciphering what’s necessary and what to skip in a skin regimen, building a healthy routine for kids can be easy to manage.
    Khanh T.L. Tran, USA Today, 29 Aug. 2025
  • To make deciphering all these invites a little easier, here’s what to know about formal attire.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 23 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Murray had a rather rough year in his first season after inking the new pact, appearing in just 11 contests that year while totaling 14 passing touchdowns and seven picks.
    Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
  • As part of his campaign platform, McGregor has opposed a European Union migration pact that would more evenly distribute the processing of asylum seekers across the bloc.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Forgetting to Stay Hydrated While there's a widespread perception that coffee dehydrates, that's not necessarily true.
    Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Speak up without speaking over One of the biggest perception gaps has to do with challenging misogynistic behavior at work.
    Colleen Tolan, The Conversation, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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