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Definitions

understanding

[uhn-der-stan-ding] / ˌʌn dərˈstæn dɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
accepting, tolerant
Synonyms
STRONGEST
compassionate considerate empathetic forgiving generous kindly perceptive sympathetic
STRONG
discerning forbearing kind patient sensitive
WEAK
responsive
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disagreeable inconsiderate mean merciless selfish unfeeling unsympathetic
STRONG
impatient intolerant
WEAK
unaccepting
NOUN
comprehension, appreciation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
awareness grasp insight intelligence judgment knowledge perception realization recognition sense
STRONG
acumen apperception apprehension assimilation decipherment discernment discrimination grip intellect intuition ken knowing mastery penetration perceptiveness perceptivity perspicacity prehension reason savvy sharpness wit
WEAK
percipience uptake
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignorance stupidity
STRONG
misunderstanding
WEAK
disagreement disbelief misinterpretation mistake
NOUN
belief
Synonyms
STRONGEST
conclusion idea impression interpretation judgment knowledge meaning opinion perception sense sympathy view
STRONG
acceptation conception estimation import inkling message notion purport significance signification viewpoint
WEAK
intendment significancy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ignorance
STRONG
insignificance
WEAK
disagreement disbelief misinterpretation mistake misunderstanding
NOUN
informal agreement
Synonyms
STRONGEST
accord harmony pact
STRONG
concord deal handshake
WEAK
common view meeting of minds
Antonyms
STRONGEST
disagreement
WEAK
disbelief misinterpretation mistake misunderstanding

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Such seamless technologies teach us that repair and understanding is not our role and that such proficiency and knowledge is unnecessary.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

‘People are slapping the FDE title on sales engineering without really understanding how Palantir did FDE or why it worked so well.’

From MarketWatch • Apr. 4, 2026

They argue that has given him a better understanding of what makes a strong federal case and how to communicate legal realities to the boss.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Institutions such as the University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum preserve specimens for decades, allowing new insights to emerge as scientific understanding evolves.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

I can’t make him understand, when he’s committed to not understanding me at all.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.