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 Not everyone’s complexity gets celebrated in its time as erudition. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2025 Horowitz’s erudition, combined with his energy, is a powerful sales tool. Tad Friend, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2024 Esther Feit, Delray Beach Silencing knowledge The Trump administration’s war on literacy and erudition opens a sad chapter on the inverse and hostile relationship between knowledge and power. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2025 By then, the only two Italian women who had received a degree as recognition for their erudition were Piscopia at the University of Padua in 1678, and Laura Bassi at the University of Bologna in 1732. Manuela Callari, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for erudition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for erudition
Noun
  • That local knowledge, coupled with Shein’s supply chain agility, has been the magic bullet behind Musera’s growth.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 12 May 2025
  • Efficiently mapping your solution to each feature requires a strong knowledge management system.
    Derek Hoyt, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Student and faculty literacy also must be prioritized.
    Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
  • The community’s services will include mental health, medical, substance use, financial literacy, domestic violence support and more, Pedro said.
    Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • In addition, students could choose to audition for $750 scholarships and the $1,500 Caneva Scholarship.
    News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 May 2025
  • An 18-year-old set to attend college on a scholarship died in a rollover crash just days before her high school graduation, according to Oklahoma officials and news reports.
    Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Larger conversations about race, education and preparation are imperative.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 9 May 2025
  • The group focuses on education, research, and advocacy related to skin care.
    Alexandria Nyembwe, Health, 8 May 2025
Noun
  • Children facing emotional or behavioral challenges at this stage may struggle to build healthy peer relationships, which can affect their learning and self-esteem.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 May 2025
  • Georgia Tech has responded by introducing a Bachelor of Science in Computational Data Science, replacing calculus-heavy curricula with coursework in data visualization and machine learning applications.
    Scott White, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Erudition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erudition. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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