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
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Recent Examples of understanding
Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025
Original story reprinted with permission from Quanta Magazine, an editorially independent publication of the Simons Foundation whose mission is to enhance public understanding of science by covering research developments and trends in mathematics and the physical and life sciences.
—Veronique Greenwood, WIRED, 9 Feb. 2025
Kelli Bender, People.com, 24 Dec. 2024
John and Peter were very understanding about the development potential of players, especially from here.
—Michael Walker, The Athletic, 13 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for understanding 
Noun
Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, and Eliza Scanlen are charming as the March sisters, freewheeling teenagers who put on plays, form a secret society, and develop a keen understanding of the relationship between art and commerce in mid-19th-century America.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025
Original story reprinted with permission from Quanta Magazine, an editorially independent publication of the Simons Foundation whose mission is to enhance public understanding of science by covering research developments and trends in mathematics and the physical and life sciences.
—Veronique Greenwood, WIRED, 9 Feb. 2025
Adjective
Today, Vito and Black have a close and understanding friendship.
—Kelli Bender, People.com, 24 Dec. 2024
John and Peter were very understanding about the development potential of players, especially from here.
—Michael Walker, The Athletic, 13 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for understanding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for understanding
Noun
-
The City Council approved several amendments to the Community Master Plan as well as a new agreement with developer Festival Ranch North, LLC, since the original one expired.—
Alexandra Hardle,
The Arizona Republic,
16 Feb. 2025
-
Those talks should have started more than a week ago according to the ceasefire agreement.—
Daniel Estrin,
NPR,
15 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
On February 14, the Adams County SPCA based in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, shared a heartfelt statement on Facebook, expressing their deep appreciation for the community's incredible generosity.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
17 Feb. 2025
-
From museums and famous artwork to cozy restaurants and incredible nature, you’re bound to leave with a newfound appreciation for this city and the people who call it home.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
Some forward-looking, compassionate airlines already quietly do this for passengers on a case-by-case basis.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA TODAY,
7 Feb. 2025
-
Finally, end your message on a compassionate note—wish them well as genuinely as possible.—
Julia Ries,
SELF,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
This offseason, the Dodgers signed Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million contract; closer Tanner Scott to a four-year, $72 million deal; and Teoscar Hernandez to a three-year, $66 million pact.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
7 Feb. 2025
-
Last June, Kim Jong Un established a mutual defense pact, which guarantees Russia’s military assistance if North Korea faces armed aggression.—
Seung-Whan Choi,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Duquette, who has lived in the Bay for over 20 years, met Ghazi in 2023 and found a kindred spirit determined to rectify the negative perceptions held by outsiders.—
Dan Rys,
Billboard,
11 Feb. 2025
-
And authenticity perceptions have a host of downstream consequences including impacting customer satisfaction, negotiation outcomes, and employee trust in—and evaluations of—their leaders.—
Andrew Brodsky,
TIME,
11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
-
During the trial, the judge, Christopher Hehir, was not very sympathetic.—
Anna Russell,
The New Yorker,
7 Feb. 2025
-
Political observers widely credited Cambridge Analytica’s data work on behalf of the Trump campaign for the historic victory, but the firm’s work for the NSSF to reach gun owners and others sympathetic to the Second Amendment wasn’t publicly known.—
Corey G. Johnson,
ProPublica,
5 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
This summer is likely to be a key point in deciding his future — the two-year mark is usually when clubs either renew a contract or move on a player to maximise possible earnings.—
Gregg Evans,
The Athletic,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Be sure to consider this factor when deciding whether or not to convert all or part of a traditional IRA.—
Bob Carlson,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
That’s a long way of saying: Don’t be surprised if this tandem goes against convention and sticks to their own draft board.—
Zack Rosenblatt,
The Athletic,
13 Feb. 2025
-
Meanwhile, Washington was viewed both as the father of the unified nation and as a southerner, enslaver, and head of the convention that produced the slavery-endorsing Constitution.—
Livia Gershon,
JSTOR Daily,
12 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near understanding
Cite this Entry
“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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