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

Following a Supreme Court ruling in 2023 that struck down affirmative action in college admissions, the Trump administration has widened its scrutiny to scholarships, mentorship programs, and other university policies perceived to favor specific racial groups. —Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025

But her defense attorney, Brian Silber, argued for less time, citing Acosta’s academic and athletic scholarships to college that led her on the path to law enforcement and community service. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2025

These meetings resulted in scholarships, conservation funds, women’s health initiatives, documentary films and exchange programs. —Emese MacZko, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

Their intent was to promote a scholarship for female chefs, but the execution backfired. —Angelique Kuiper, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2025