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
Paul Taylor, New York Times, 31 July 2025
Our understanding, based on data, was that people 45 and older would make up 80% of regional music listenership.
—Griselda Flores, Billboard, 31 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
There is an understanding that this might take time, although keeping Gibbs-White, their most creative outlet, will help.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 31 July 2025
Our understanding, based on data, was that people 45 and older would make up 80% of regional music listenership.
—Griselda Flores, Billboard, 31 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
-
In 2019, during the first Trump administration, the U.S. also suspended the trade agreement but it was lifted after a new agreement was reached, Jungmeyer said.—
Daniel Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
22 July 2025
-
The pair’s status as NATO members means each would defend the other if attacked, but the new agreement deepens cooperation, including further integrating arms exports, weapons development, and military doctrines, and a pledge to supply Ukraine with long-range weapons.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
21 July 2025
Noun
-
Their 11-year-old daughter, Jasmine, made thank you cards with big hearts and notes of appreciation for all the support.—
Bahar Anooshahr,
AZCentral.com,
24 July 2025
-
Take your pick between centuries-old palazzos and elegant villas reimagined into modern luxury stays, each one imbued with a deep appreciation for Florentine traditions.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
22 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
-
Now the Abraham Accords—the U.S.-brokered normalization pacts between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan—might expand to include the most powerful Sunni Arab state, Saudi Arabia.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
28 July 2025
-
Slater, a two-time Pro Bowler who’s tasked in protecting quarterback Justin Herbert’s blindside, is collecting $92 million in guarantee money on his four-year, $114 million pact.—
Jay Paris,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
Noun
-
Throughout early modern Europe (circa 1450 to 1800), perceptions of women were heavily influenced by biblical figures such as Eve.—
Smithsonian Magazine,
Smithsonian Magazine,
29 July 2025
-
New research from the University of Notre Dame reveals that letting customers keep instead of returning products taps into powerful psychological principles that transform transactional relationships into personal ones – changing the brand’s perception.—
Roger Dooley,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Adjective
-
Following that and other bruising political fights, Council President Mitra Jalali — who was mostly seen as sympathetic to the mayor — resigned in March.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
25 July 2025
-
As for Tretter, Ferguson was more sympathetic despite whispers that the former Cleveland Browns guard from Akron Central High might have manipulated Howell’s rise to the NFLPA throne in exchange for a leadership role himself.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
24 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 arena will host at least 25 G League games, as well as concerts, sports tournaments, conventions and other events.—
John Tuohy,
IndyStar,
22 July 2025
-
Challenging conventions, the studio’s president Kevin Feige hired a heavyweight cast for Iron Man including Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert Downey Jr and Jeff Bridges.—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Understanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/understanding. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share