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
Ben Morse, CNN Money, 5 July 2025
Analyzing these samples led to a new understanding of what happened during those missing millennia.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 5 July 2025
Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
But despite the nightmare scenario, the couple said their fellow passengers were incredibly understanding.
—Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Noun
Saunders says those come from a lack of understanding of the reasoning behind the camp.
—Ben Morse, CNN Money, 5 July 2025
Analyzing these samples led to a new understanding of what happened during those missing millennia.
—Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 5 July 2025
Adjective
Validation means recognizing and accepting an employee’s feelings, fostering a supportive and understanding environment that boosts morale and productivity.
—Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
But despite the nightmare scenario, the couple said their fellow passengers were incredibly understanding.
—Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
-
The commissioners will invite public input on the stadium agreement at the same meeting.—
Erin Glynn,
The Enquirer,
9 July 2025
-
The agreement comes during French President Macron symbolic trip to London in a first state visit for any European leader to the UK since the Brexit.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
And there’s this deep appreciation for culture and the way these countries developed, especially as an outsider looking at the United States.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
11 July 2025
-
First, exhibit appreciation for and an interest in others’ abilities, skills, knowledge and perspectives.—
Susan Madsen,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Companies like Google and Salesforce offer extensive parental leave programs, recognizing that supporting employees during one of life’s most significant milestones is not only compassionate but smart business.—
Will Fan,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
That means unlearning the language that perpetuates harm and stereotypes, and being more compassionate and humane across the board.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
As next week's deadline approaches, the Trump administration has touted new trade agreements with countries including China, the U.K. and Vietnam, while the status of other pacts remains under wraps.—
Alain Sherter,
CBS News,
3 July 2025
-
The pact still requires approval by the FCC, headed by chairman Brendan Carr, who is an ally of Trump.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
Remember, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and everyone’s perception comes from their unique place in this world.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
5 July 2025
-
Oxford Economics estimates spending among international visitors to the U.S. will fall $8.5 billion this year, as negative perceptions of the U.S. tied to trade and immigration policy lead travelers to other destinations.—
Ali McCadden,
CNBC,
4 July 2025
Adjective
-
But even with these musicians and Boyd’s sympathetic production, the sessions were fraught.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
5 July 2025
-
The president has vacillated in recent months between deporting all individuals who are in the country illegally and being sympathetic to farmers and hospitality executives who rely on such migrant workers for labor.—
Brett Samuels,
The Hill,
4 July 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
-
The conventions were political gatherings by Black Americans that played a crucial role in advocating for civil and human rights, particularly before and during the Civil War, and into Reconstruction.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
-
Not everybody can get here or get to [another anime] convention, but everybody can get to a theater.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share