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 Indeed, its tonal balance feels of a piece with the playwright’s personality—erudition and prudent attention to identity and representation leavened with irreverent nods to his throat chakra, The Artist’s Way, and teen soaps on The WB. Marley Marius, Vogue, 25 Feb. 2025 Decorated with frescoes, the complex draws inspiration from Greek culture, emphasizing themes of leisure and erudition. Fox News, 18 Jan. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for erudition
Recent Examples of Synonyms for erudition
Noun
  • And if not, there is also the self-evident truth that the knowledge is there.
    CBS News, CBS News, 29 June 2025
  • When the man couldn’t provide police with any identification, the officers took him into custody, a police source with knowledge of the case said.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the fragments offer unique insights into Roman artistry and literacy.
    Willem Marx, NPR, 20 June 2025
  • New York City is rolling out a new financial literacy initiative in its public schools next academic year, Mayor Adams announced Wednesday.
    Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Donors designate how their contributions can be used, often earmarking them for scholarships, faculty positions or capital improvements.
    Ata Sarajedini, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2025
  • The Australian Intelligence Corps offered Wilson a scholarship, the actress says.
    Erin Jensen, USA Today, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • The country’s new regard for science education transformed public school curricula.
    Jessica George, JSTOR Daily, 25 June 2025
  • But today, even some of these spaces are losing their independence—becoming arenas for power struggles, where truth is sacrificed to political or financial agendas, and the ethical foundations of education and research are under attack.
    Narges Mohammadi, Time, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Leaders must train their prefrontal cortex to stay calm under pressure and turn tough feedback into adaptive learning.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • This article is part of The Times’ early childhood education initiative, focusing on the learning and development of California children from birth to age 5.
    Jenny Gold, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Erudition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erudition. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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