learn

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb learn contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of learn are ascertain, determine, discover, and unearth. While all these words mean "to find out what one did not previously know," learn may imply acquiring knowledge with little effort or conscious intention (as by simply being told) or it may imply study and practice.

I learned her name only today
learning Greek

Where would ascertain be a reasonable alternative to learn?

Although the words ascertain and learn have much in common, ascertain implies effort to find the facts or the truth proceeding from awareness of ignorance or uncertainty.

attempts to ascertain the population of the region

When would determine be a good substitute for learn?

The words determine and learn are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely.

unable to determine the origin of the word

When could discover be used to replace learn?

The meanings of discover and learn largely overlap; however, discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter.

discovered the source of the river

When can unearth be used instead of learn?

While in some cases nearly identical to learn, unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden.

unearth old records

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 learn This is the kind of thing a child learns at home from the very beginning and, if in a churchgoing family, probably in church services. Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025 To learn more about Blanco Ahumado, as well as the history and legacy of Clase Azul, visit claseazul.com. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 17 June 2025 Central to the trek is connecting with the region’s Sherpa people, and learning about their culture through song, dance, and food. Chloe Berge, Outside Online, 17 June 2025 The Giants have rushed Thomas to the field before and learned their lesson the hard way. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for learn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for learn
Verb
  • At the same time, niche and local players who master efficiency and identity—like Dragonfly and Goodlyfe—can still carve out major wins.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Stylish outfit equations have never been easier to master.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • As paranoia rises, suspicions and secrets are forced into the light, and the locals start to realize there is a serial killer hidden amongst them.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 1 July 2025
  • This gap presents an important opportunity: Before realizing AI’s full potential, institutions must first build a foundation of trust, both internally and externally.
    Bruce Dahlgren, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • There, a tactical response team found a man lying dead with a weapon nearby, whom authorities believe was the shooter.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 1 July 2025
  • Drizzy posted a throwback photo of Minaj to his Instagram Story on Sunday night (June 29), which found the queen in a blue shirt and American flag bandana.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • At this point, Chisholm’s teammates must have his lyrics memorized, as he’s been nearly unstoppable since returning from an oblique strain earlier this month.
    Gary Phillips, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025
  • The future won’t belong to the people who memorized the most.
    Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • So much for my hope that Jess would get a promotion!
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 8 July 2025
  • Maybe there's a path for Turner to get there eventually.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • First discovered: 6:26 p.m. June 30 Initial location: Siskiyou County, Calif. Fire type: Wildfire Fire name: Dutchman A new wildfire was reported today at 6:26 p.m. in Siskiyou County, California.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
  • Time to move onward and upward on your path to discovering your highest vibrational self this year.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • The soundstage will be located in a specific area of the studios, near the deep water tank.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2025
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to help Facebook locate your account and start the recovery process.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • To determine which Chicago residents are at the highest risk during heat waves, team members are studying factors that can worsen or alleviate someone’s experience of extreme heat.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025
  • For Peck, starring on Broadway has long been a dream: Prior to launching his wildly successful musical career, Peck studied acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and worked in classical theater on London’s West End.
    Nigel Smith, People.com, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Learn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/learn. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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