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

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 knowledge According to two sources with knowledge of the game plan, both teams have been in contact with Concacaf officials and are monitoring the weather. —

Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2025 The cash pot was delivered to the country’s 27 states and 5,000 cities to use in production and distribution incentives or the creation of a local knowledge economy. —

Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 16 Feb. 2025 This knowledge puts a target on both their backs and Christian must do everything in his power to protect Dana. —

Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 15 Feb. 2025 Stone also raised criticisms about McMahon’s knowledge of the role, including hesitation on what existing Trump executive orders mean for local schools. —

Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 14 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for knowledge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for knowledge

Noun

The dismissals have also rattled graduate students eyeing careers in public health and the biomedical sciences.

— Sheryl Gay Stolberg, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
Key Genres: Premium science, history, wildlife and world affairs.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025