knowledge

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 The agreement also specifies that countries and the WHO should work together to create a mechanism for fairly sharing the intellectual property, data and knowledge needed to produce vaccines and other essential health products. Nicole Hassoun, The Conversation, 22 May 2025 But Lamborghini wasn’t about to let their newfound off-road knowledge languish. Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 22 May 2025 But even if such actions aren’t influenced by insider knowledge, ethics experts warn that trading stock while the federal government’s actions move markets can create the appearance of impropriety. Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 22 May 2025 Oppenheimer says that there has been a decline of historical knowledge regarding humanities, Judaism, and the State of Israel, with people instead getting their information from social media. Callum Sutherland, Time, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for knowledge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knowledge
Noun
  • Original story reprinted with permission from Quanta Magazine, an editorially independent publication of the Simons Foundation whose mission is to enhance public understanding of science by covering research developments and trends in mathematics and the physical and life sciences.
    Shalma Wegsman, Wired News, 25 May 2025
  • As a transhumanist and longevity advocate, a primary goal in my life has been overcoming biological death with science.
    Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • Financial literacy can teach people how to earn, save and invest, but self-reflection, vulnerability and the willingness to communicate can empower you to have conversations that lay the foundation for trust and long-term stability in love.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • According to his biography on the city’s website, Smith has focused on literacy for all ages in his 35 plus years as an educator.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 May 2025
Noun
  • The family aren't just raising awareness for Kennedy and Kona, but for every child living with type 1 diabetes.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
  • Over the past three years, Emma has supported legislation resolutions and proclamations across the country to raise FTD awareness.
    Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the voters’ wisdom in trying to check pension costs has been repeatedly confirmed.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • Still, Stuy pitches adoptees on the wisdom of testing.
    Barbara Demick, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • So if your little one is learning how to interact with animals, this playlist could be a good learning tool for your family.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 30 May 2025
  • The MySQL course provides practical instruction in building and managing databases, and the OpenAI course introduces the fundamentals of working with machine learning models and APIs.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • Momentous Human Payoff Ahead Moving the needle on the subjective vs. objective preponderance in psychology is going to take earnest and undeterred energy and attention.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • This bespoke-level attention to craftsmanship is reflected in the buying process as well, with clients encouraged to first make an appointment to be fitted and styled at any of its 13 boutiques spread across the U.S. (five of which are in New York).
    Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • But the problem is the quality of education that the students receive, when they are rushed through the pipeline, with no time to focus on themselves, solely concentrated on productivity and employability, to pay back their debt.
    Letters to the Editor, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
  • The spending proposal lawmakers approved, negotiated among the Democratic House and Senate leaders and the governor’s office, deviates from Pritzker’s original plan in certain areas, including funding for elementary and secondary education.
    Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • Furthermore, cannabis has the potential to bring about a sense of mindfulness that aligns with feminine energy.
    Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 1 June 2025
  • In addition to his private practice, Dr. Kroner is a clinician at The Reconnect Trauma Center, providing services in somatic acupuncture, mindfulness training, and metabolic health.
    Jennifer Klump, Verywell Health, 30 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Knowledge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knowledge. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on knowledge

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!