Synonyms of scholarship

scholarship

noun

ˈskä-lər-ˌship 

as in literacy

the understanding and information gained from being educated

the historian's new book displays a remarkable level of scholarship

Synonyms & Similar Words

• literacy
• knowledge
• education
• learning
• erudition
• culture
• learnedness
• enlightenment
• edification
• reading
• pedantry
• bookishness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignorance
• illiteracy
• illiterateness
• functional illiteracy

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun scholarship differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scholarship are erudition, knowledge, and learning. While all these words mean "what is or can be known by an individual or by humankind," 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

When might erudition be a better fit than scholarship?

The synonyms erudition and scholarship are sometimes interchangeable, but erudition strongly implies the acquiring of profound, recondite, or bookish learning.

an erudition unusual even in a scholar

Where would knowledge be a reasonable alternative to scholarship?

Although the words knowledge and scholarship have much in common, knowledge applies to facts or ideas acquired by study, investigation, observation, or experience.

rich in the knowledge of human nature

When is learning a more appropriate choice than scholarship?

The words learning and scholarship 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scholarship

The memo argues that the 2023 Supreme Court decision to ban schools’ use of race in admissions decisions applies more broadly to include a wide range of programs and actions, such as scholarships, financial aid and other aspects of student, academic and campus life. —Molly Gibbs, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025

This includes everything from the cost of scholarships to salaries, travel budgets and facility construction. —Hailey Salvian, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025

All proceeds from the festival are given back through donations and scholarships. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2025

As depicted in Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, José, attending Southern Illinois University on a swimming scholarship, met blond beauty queen Mary Louise Andersen, a lively communications major two years his senior who everyone called Kitty. —Roy Trakin, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Feb. 2025