knowledge

Definition of knowledgenext

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 Wildmon applied this knowledge to a tireless quest to reform American popular culture. Isaac Butler, New Yorker, 30 May 2026 Local knowledge versus official warnings. Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 But to my knowledge, and to Ali’s, there has been no public explanation for recommending a no vote. Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026 Put your knowledge to the test. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for knowledge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knowledge
Noun
  • Two questions about the wisdom of mandatory minimum sentences — a very contentious topic in legal circles — yielded only brief responses.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
  • Research by Gao, Niu, and Yu published in Frontiers in Psychology found that intellectual humility in leadership cultivates team environments rooted in trust and collaboration, where leaders lean on collective wisdom rather than individual authority.
    Mary Hemphill, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • The education department’s agreements with the Department of Labor have also caused delays in administering adult education, family literacy and career and technical education (CTE) programs, according to the senators.
    Arthur Jones II, ABC News, 28 May 2026
  • Every month, the participating families will receive $500 in cash, $500 deposited into a credit union account, and have access to financial literacy classes.
    Dennis Valera, CBS News, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • Some struggled with their awareness and timing, often running their routes short, which frustrated Dawson.
    Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • Boris Dzhingarov, founder of ESBO Ltd, leads a global Digital PR & SEO agency dedicated to enhancing brand awareness and visibility.
    Boris Dzhingarov, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • These two rating increases also are a result of 12 years of sound, responsible budgetary choices made by the city department heads and Detroit City Council, alongside the expertise of our Chief Financial Officers.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 28 May 2026
  • Theresa was a dance coach Theresa brought her expertise in dance and cheerleading to Quakenbrück in 2009, quickly becoming a driving force behind the local cheer community.
    Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • This includes my place not only as a writer—who like my grandfather had, is writing books, teaching college, and engaged in psychoanalytic thought—but also as a someone who has similarly dedicated her life to the pursuit of learning, understanding, and expression through language.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
  • Civil adoption can generate early data, operational learning and scale.
    Greg Ombach, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Noun
  • If Muntadas’s work expands the spectacle of self-exploitation to its wider social implications, Lord’s chapter in Media Hostages, Future Language, redirects this attention to the uninterested spectators passing by the billboard on the road.
    Jonathan Odden, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday reiterated warnings of a possible massive Russian strike and urged residents to pay special attention to air raid alerts.
    Reuters, NBC news, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • The tunnel was discovered through intelligence work conducted by agents with the FGR's Criminal Investigation Agency in coordination with Mexico's Security Cabinet.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026
  • Pulte will remain as chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and FHFA director in addition to acting as national intelligence director.
    Connor Greene, Time, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • The ruling caps a dramatic downturn in the longtime educator’s two-decade career in urban education, according to the Associated Press (AP).
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026
  • The resort tapped Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment to lead their marine education and exploration program, and is a cut above other Maldives resorts for edu-oceanic activities.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Knowledge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knowledge. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

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