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 Other research has found that clinicians’ lack of knowledge is partly to blame. —

Angela Haupt, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025 Al Golden agreed to return to Cincinnati on Wednesday after three seasons as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decision has not been announced. —

Joe Reedy, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2025 The same bias is true in other areas where AI accesses information published without accurate levels of knowledge, understanding, experience or context. —

Kimberly Afonso, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025 Sources with knowledge of the investigation told The Times officials were aware of the earlier fire and its general proximity to the starting point of the Palisades fire, and looking into whether they are related. —

Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for knowledge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for knowledge

Noun

The idea that small acts of kindness can change the world isn’t just a nice sentimental thought — it’s backed by science.

— Kate Vitasek, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Chris Herd, science professor and curator of the university's meteorite collection, confirmed that the powder had, in fact, come from a meteorite.

— Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025