KNOWLEDGE Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'knowledge' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of knowledge are erudition , learning , and scholarship . While all these words mean "what is or can be known by an individual or by humankind," knowledge applies to facts or ideas acquired by study, investigation, observation, or experience. // rich in the knowledge of human nature

Q: In what contexts can 'erudition' take the place of 'knowledge'?

While in some cases nearly identical to knowledge , erudition strongly implies the acquiring of profound, recondite, or bookish learning. // an erudition unusual even in a scholar

Q: When would 'learning' be a good substitute for 'knowledge'?

The words learning and knowledge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, learning applies to knowledge acquired especially through formal, often advanced, schooling. // a book that demonstrates vast learning

Q: Where would 'scholarship' be a reasonable alternative to 'knowledge'?

In some situations, the words scholarship and knowledge are roughly equivalent. However, scholarship implies the possession of learning characteristic of the advanced scholar in a specialized field of study or investigation. // a work of first-rate literary scholarship

knowledge

noun

ˈnä-lij

Definition of knowledge next

as in science

a body of facts learned by study or experience the forest ranger shared some of his vast knowledge of the woods with us a knowledge of local customs

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in literacy

the understanding and information gained from being educated the purpose of the tests is to evaluate how much knowledge you have gained in a particular subject

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as in awareness

a state of being aware my knowledge that I was watching a true story made the film more compelling

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun knowledge differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of knowledge are erudition, learning, and scholarship. While all these words mean "what is or can be known by an individual or by humankind," knowledge applies to facts or ideas acquired by study, investigation, observation, or experience.

rich in the knowledge of human nature

In what contexts can erudition take the place of knowledge?

While in some cases nearly identical to knowledge, erudition strongly implies the acquiring of profound, recondite, or bookish learning.

an erudition unusual even in a scholar

When would learning be a good substitute for knowledge?

The words learning and knowledge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, learning applies to knowledge acquired especially through formal, often advanced, schooling.

a book that demonstrates vast learning

Where would scholarship be a reasonable alternative to knowledge?

In some situations, the words scholarship and knowledge are roughly equivalent. However, scholarship implies the possession of learning characteristic of the advanced scholar in a specialized field of study or investigation.

a work of first-rate literary scholarship

Examples 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 knowledge Members of the Shoshone Tribe joined the UW-Madison research team on the excavation so that authors of the study would better respect the land and gain valuable insights and knowledge from tribal members. —

Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025 His thorough knowledge of this region and lyrical storytelling skills have earned him a dedicated and special following. —

Trif Alatzas, Baltimore Sun, 10 Jan. 2025 Testing the idea across cultures and time If people have intuitive knowledge of the values of different body parts, might this knowledge underpin laws about bodily damage across cultures and historical eras? —

Daniel Sznycer, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025 One source with knowledge of the talks said some of Trump's advisers had hoped Cai Qi, an official with more seniority than Han and member of the Chinese Communist Party's top decision-making body, could attend. —

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for knowledge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for knowledge

Noun

Jennifer is a senior writer at Ars Technica with a particular focus on where science meets culture, covering everything from physics and related interdisciplinary topics to her favorite films and TV series.

Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 13 Jan. 2025
The reasons behind the decline in vaccinations are complex, and include multiple disruptions to routine pediatric care during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and changing attitudes among some parents toward vaccines and science more broadly, the Star-Telegram previously reported.

Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2025