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
  • Those included his attitude, relationships with members of the public and fellow officers, knowledge of statutes and procedures, report writing, investigative ability, officer safety and general field performance, according to his observation reports.
    Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Western United Fish Company dba Annasea Foods Group is recalling nearly 3,315 pounds of Kirkland Signature Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke, sold in Costco's deli section, with the Food and Drug Administration's knowledge over the weekend.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The dispute affected educators and policymakers statewide — but Pendleton managed to take the best of both literacy methods and apply them to the 130,000-plus students then enrolled in San Diego schools, Lopez said.
    Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025
  • After landing a publishing deal with HarperCollins, the family hopes to share their passion for learning through literacy.
    Essence, Essence, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Smith earned a scholarship from Ohio State in June after competing in one of Ohio State’s summer camps.
    Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025
  • After outlining that corrupt deal, Du Bois dissects how scholarship sympathetic to the northern interests then rewrote Reconstruction’s history, turning the period into a fable of failure while caricaturing Black political leadership and widespread democratic participation.
    Zephyr Teachout, The Atlantic, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Old wounds around education or beliefs finally have a chance to heal.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Lawmakers must weigh the check’s size against other programs and public needs, including education, and in 2018 began using earnings from the fund — long used to pay dividends — to also help balance the budget.
    Becky Bohrer, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Davis is a registered nurse, earned a master’s degree in operational excellence and process improvement from Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business, and earned a doctorate in adult learning theory from the University of Pennsylvania.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Best Early Amazon Prime Day STEM Toy Deals Encourage early learning with age-appropriate STEM toys, like a marble run that helps kids learn about gravity and other basic physics principles.
    Anja Webb, Parents, 24 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Erudition.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/erudition. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

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