school 1 of 2

school

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word school different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of school are discipline, educate, instruct, teach, and train. While all these words mean "to cause to acquire knowledge or skill," school implies training or disciplining especially in what is hard to master.

schooled the horse in five gaits

When is discipline a more appropriate choice than school?

While in some cases nearly identical to school, discipline implies training in habits of order and precision.

a disciplined mind

In what contexts can educate take the place of school?

While the synonyms educate and school are close in meaning, educate implies development of the mind.

more things than formal schooling serve to educate a person

When might instruct be a better fit than school?

The synonyms instruct and school are sometimes interchangeable, but instruct suggests methodical or formal teaching.

instructs raw recruits in military drill

When is it sensible to use teach instead of school?

In some situations, the words teach and school are roughly equivalent. However, teach applies to any manner of imparting information or skill so that others may learn.

taught us a lot about our planet

When can train be used instead of school?

The words train and school can be used in similar contexts, but train stresses instruction and drill with a specific end in view.

trained foreign pilots to operate the new aircraft

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 school
Noun
In just days, the flames incinerated not only homes but schools, daycares, grocery stores, cafes and workplaces. Laura Paddison, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025 Finney already has a pub, a school, a soccer centre, two care homes, a non-League ground (Bamber Bridge of the Northern Premier League), a university pitch, a bus and even a mobile hot-potato van named after him. Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
For example, for every additional year of schooling a woman received, her earnings increased 13%. Harry Anthony Patrinos, The Conversation, 3 Jan. 2025 His elder son, Xander, also made an appearance in that same episode and schooled his dad on the mechanics of TikTok. Yasmeen Hamadeh, People.com, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for school 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for school
Noun
  • His focus is on the overall operation of the club from the academy to the second and first team to coordinating the club’s participation in preseason tours, Concacaf Champions Cup, Club World Cup and other events.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2025
  • While the former is a collaboration with other students from the academy, the latter — a sweet, pop rock tune — spotlights 10-year-old Sasha on vocals and 12-year-old Milan strutting the drums.
    Jessica Roiz, Billboard, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The conservatory began by teaching music classes — and eventually dance, drama and visual arts — to all students, regardless of race.
    Rebecca San Juan, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Like all of Ross’ kids, she was taught about entrepreneurship and financial responsibility from a young age.
    Emily Krauser, People.com, 22 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • More International News Image In a deal with Islamist parties, Pakistan is abandoning a requirement that religious seminaries — which Western officials see as a threat — register with the government.
    Ian Prasad Philbrick, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025
  • Southwestern trustees fired former president Paige Patterson in 2018 amid reports that Patterson downplayed reports of rape and sought to intimidate an abuse victim during his tenure at Southwestern and another SBC seminary.
    Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 21 Oct. 2024
Verb
  • Eaddy says the focus of the festival is to entertain, educate and inspire Black story tellers who have a desire to create stories of the struggles and the joys of the Black community.
    Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The most important thing to Hatch has always been educating the kids.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacramento Bee, 17 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near school

Cite this Entry

“School.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/school. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on school

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!