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
Angela Andaloro, People.com, 19 May 2025
This means astronomers might be able to gain a deeper understanding of processes, like star formation.
—Victoria Corless, Space.com, 19 May 2025
Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
But her mom says her school has been very understanding.
—Jordan Greene, People.com, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Noun
Demi tries to be understanding but says it's been this way for three years.
—Angela Andaloro, People.com, 19 May 2025
This means astronomers might be able to gain a deeper understanding of processes, like star formation.
—Victoria Corless, Space.com, 19 May 2025
Adjective
But despite the nightmare scenario, the couple said their fellow passengers were incredibly understanding.
—Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
But her mom says her school has been very understanding.
—Jordan Greene, People.com, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
-
In law enforcement, the legally binding agreements, approved by all parties, typically stem from Justice Department investigations into widespread patterns of misconduct.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
-
Two weeks later came an agreement to go public via SPAC, but that didn’t happen either.—
Phoebe Liu,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
Noun
-
Still, though, worthy of appreciation in the eyes of someone for whom the softness of an aging body can look a lot like love.—
Valerie Monroe,
Allure,
23 May 2025
-
She’s been a front row guest at Balenciaga, Chloé and Rabanne during Paris Fashion Week, and her appreciation of fashion is growing.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
23 May 2025
Adjective
-
For 55 years, the characters of Sesame Street have taught us how to count, how to read — and as importantly, how to be kind, empathic and compassionate.—
Afdhel Aziz,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
-
Here’s to more humane, efficient and compassionate processes in the future crafted by politicians on both sides of the aisle.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
12 May 2025
Noun
-
At the afterparty, however, all four boys fulfill their pact.—
James Mercadante,
EW.com,
17 May 2025
-
The pact, revealed Saturday at the Cannes Film Market, will see the launch of the dedicated Something Weird Channel (SWC) on Cultpix’s platform beginning June 1.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
17 May 2025
Noun
-
However, two-thirds of Americans recognize that being a K-12 teacher is harder than most jobs, indicating a perception gap between the two groups.—
Bruno V. Manno,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
-
Neither is true — and this confusion illustrates California’s perception problem, even among filmmakers who would like to shoot there.—
Aaron Couch,
HollywoodReporter,
17 May 2025
Adjective
-
On social media, where content creators have been dissecting the case, some commenters have been distressingly sympathetic to Diddy’s defense.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
17 May 2025
-
There’s not a single sympathetic White character in the film.—
John Blake,
CNN Money,
16 May 2025
Verb
-
With so many cruise lines and many more ships, deciding which cruise to book for your family’s next vacation can feel daunting.—
Stacey Lastoe,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2025
-
There are several considerations when deciding where to live and retire.—
Travel + Leisure Editors,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Outdated conventions needed to be cleared away, Strindberg said.—
Helen Shaw,
New Yorker,
22 May 2025
-
For example, at the BRS conventions the U.S. was excluded from participating in the discussion on the exemption to decide whether to ban UV-328, the chemical used in airplane manufacturing, despite the potential ban’s implications for American manufacturers.—
Kristen Edgreen Kaufman,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 30 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share