Definition of understandingnext
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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

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
As a more scientific understanding of germ theory took hold, the impetus became less medicinal, more practical, then pleasurable. Chloe Schama, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026 Nobody knows this better than the Rams, whose savvy understanding of the local fan has inspired them to a consistent championship level. Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Adjective
At the command, my commanding officer was very understanding. Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 10 May 2026 Letting go of the camera metaphor could be a step toward better understanding how memory works. Gabrielle Principe, The Conversation, 5 May 2026
Verb
Knowing where those cameras are located is important, both for understanding how extensive the network has become and for knowing where police could potentially track a vehicle's movements. Mike Stunson, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 His drive, his motor, understanding his role, just being there for his teammates. David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
  • According to the investigation, the Clippers broke league rules by initiating off-court income opportunities and facilitating endorsement agreements between Leonard and four companies that also did business with the team.
    Josh Feldman, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Hours after City lost 3-0 to Arsenal in Cardiff, news broke of an agreement with Barcelona for Rodri.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • After dealing with the online hate (and appreciation) for months, Gunn’s mental health took a toll.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • His father has a particular appreciation for long-running fantasy leagues.
    Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Libra September 23 – October 22 The routine that keeps draining you may need a more compassionate rhythm.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The vaccine is being used under a compassionate-use program, which allows a medical product to be used in a serious disease situation even though it has not been specifically approved for that particular use.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Nurse also has a history of violence in Miami-Dade, Florida, prosecutors said, where he was sentenced to five years of probation for deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution in November 2019.
    John Annese, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Understand that your parents must be deriving some satisfaction from encouraging your brother’s dependency.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Bob Howell, executive vice president and chief sales officer at Manhattan Associates, said Boscov’s has a proud history of knowing their customers and communities.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026
  • There is no way of knowing whether other district court judges will rule, as Valenzuela did, on the question of funding connected to Title IX.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • And navigating a website might involve deciphering images or knowing what links to click.
    Jennifer D. Kobrin, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The prevention of future pandemics relies on information from previous outbreaks, which is one reason why deciphering the origins of the COVID-19 began is important.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the Hague on Monday ruled in Pakistan's favor over the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, saying the historic pact remains fully binding and that India had no valid grounds for ending or suspending it.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The negotiators of the original pact did not need to contemplate how the three countries would implement complementary subsidies, investment restrictions, or export controls, as such policies were not then in vogue.
    Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Dasti is the first Persian woman to receive a Burning Man honorarium, which adds more meaning to a piece focused on time, perception, and cultural memory.
    Jim Dobson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Uptown Charlotte’s public safety, and perception versus reality, stood at the forefront of Charlotte Center City Partners board meeting Thursday morning.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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