Definition of understandingnext
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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
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
These questions are fundamental to understanding the process of domestication. — Ornob Alam, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026 Gathering relevant data is a vital first step to understanding everything from the value of underground mineral deposits to the money held in pension funds. — Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 5 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

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Cite this Entry

“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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