as in knowledge
the understanding and information gained from being educated a scientist of impressive erudition but with a down-to-earth manner

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the noun erudition differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of erudition are knowledge, learning, and scholarship. While all these words mean "what is or can be known by an individual or by humankind," erudition strongly implies the acquiring of profound, recondite, or bookish learning.

an erudition unusual even in a scholar

When might knowledge be a better fit than erudition?

While the synonyms knowledge and erudition are close in meaning, knowledge applies to facts or ideas acquired by study, investigation, observation, or experience.

rich in the knowledge of human nature

When can learning be used instead of erudition?

The meanings of learning and erudition largely overlap; however, learning applies to knowledge acquired especially through formal, often advanced, schooling.

a book that demonstrates vast learning

When could scholarship be used to replace erudition?

In some situations, the words scholarship and erudition 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 erudition That Justice Souter, in truth, does not is revealed by the many articles published since his passing, which tend to discuss his erudition, decency, and wit, and even his lunch, exercise, sartorial habits, and other charming New Englander quirks—but not so much in the way of influential writings. Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 15 May 2025 Her meticulous research and historical erudition are legendary, and her belief in the magic of fashion is unwavering. Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025 No erudition added to five paragraphs of very carefully worded, almost mollifying, explanation? Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2025 Decorated with frescoes, the complex draws inspiration from Greek culture, emphasizing themes of leisure and erudition. Fox News, 18 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for erudition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for erudition
Noun
  • The Rangers are trusting Sullivan to not only bring top-notch hockey knowledge but also stabilize an organization that went through a tumultuous 2024-25 season.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Our research uncovered a thriving ‘shadow AI economy’ where employees use personal ChatGPT accounts, Claude subscriptions, and other consumer tools to automate significant portions of their jobs, often without IT knowledge or approval.
    Big Think, Big Think, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • First, regularly remind students and teachers that anything schools try – literacy frameworks, teaching practices, new assessments – is a best guess.
    Justin Reich, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Croft urged schools to formally teach digital literacy and parents to reinforce it at home by encouraging keyboard use and balanced screen time.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Half the scholarships were distributed to families without regard to income.
    Vivian Jones, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Oct. 2025
  • For over 40 years, HDF has partnered with educational institutions who would match student scholarships awarded through their program.
    Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • He was sentenced to serve seven days in a DUI education center and ordered to pay a $350 fine and court fees.
    Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Oct. 2025
  • The law stripped teachers and most public workers of collective bargaining rights and led to wide changes in the state's education system.
    Kayla Huynh, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In addition, with support from Michael Kors, WFP will be able to equip 30 schools with solar panels, upgraded kitchens and improved classrooms, enhancing the learning environments for more than 3,000 students.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Aspartate is essential for learning and memory, playing a role in brain function.
    Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Erudition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erudition. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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