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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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
Well, at least to cosmologists who are using this simulation to transform (sorry, couldn't resist) our understanding of the universe's first stars. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026 The work has implications for our understanding of fluid dynamics and may have applications in areas such as pollution control and drug design. — Stephen Ornes, Quanta Magazine, 2 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
Still, understanding your own reason for saying yes or no can make the decision much easier. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026 Curtis recalled going to see the movie with a crowd and finally understanding why Carpenter had spent the shoot directing her to be more vulnerable. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
  • Instead of forcing agreement, stay curious about what needs tweaking.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The effort is part of the agreement between the DAF and Northrop Grumman that increases annual B-21 production capacity by 25% while maintaining focus on cost, schedule and performance.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Both father and son expressed an appreciation for Korean cinema.
    — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Growing up down south forever shapes your language, work ethic, appreciation for how hard life can be and so much more.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Perinatal palliative care is an important and compassionate option.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Rodriguez described her daughter as kind, compassionate and full of life.
    — Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 2 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
  • Brady, meanwhile, knowing that Carter has the ability to defect tribes, wants a new ally.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The pathway to that knowing is to enter the story and imagine the unsaid.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Come early to mingle with the cast, in character, of course, who may or may not need your help in deciphering some puzzles.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • For these scrolls, the best method for virtually unrolling and deciphering text would be to scan for lead first, according to Seiler.
    — Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Tony Romo carved out new terrain at CBS Sports after revealing a knack for predicting game play — all but forcing CBS to re-sign the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback to a multi-season pact in 2020 valued at around $17 million a year.
    — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
  • As part of the pact, Sanofi is paying Regeneron $1 billion upfront, with possible milestone payments of up to $7 billion more.
    — Andrew Joseph, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Andrew Garfield Then there are those who argue that the Method is misunderstood — first by actors, and subsequently by public perception.
    — Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • That is a perception Cheeks carried over in his 2020 move to then-ViacomCBS as President and CEO of CBS Entertainment, with David Nevins initially serving as the division’s Chief Content Officer.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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