knowledge

Definition of knowledgenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun knowledge differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of knowledge are erudition, learning, and scholarship. While all these words mean "what is or can be known by an individual or by humankind," knowledge applies to facts or ideas acquired by study, investigation, observation, or experience.

rich in the knowledge of human nature

In what contexts can erudition take the place of knowledge?

While in some cases nearly identical to knowledge, erudition strongly implies the acquiring of profound, recondite, or bookish learning.

an erudition unusual even in a scholar

When would learning be a good substitute for knowledge?

The words learning and knowledge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, learning applies to knowledge acquired especially through formal, often advanced, schooling.

a book that demonstrates vast learning

Where would scholarship be a reasonable alternative to knowledge?

In some situations, the words scholarship and knowledge 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 knowledge Every article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of small business products. Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 14 Feb. 2026 Test your knowledge of the week in news, and take last week’s quiz here. Melinda Yao, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026 His family might never know all the details, but Bouzid gives the audience tangible knowledge of his passions and misgivings, accomplishing that by observing the five female characters in his orbit, and so the mystery of all their lives is fully revealed. Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026 But if Amazon is using artificial intelligence to autonomously connect a network of cameras to locate a lost dog, what barriers are in place to prevent them from surveilling humans without their knowledge? Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for knowledge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knowledge
Noun
  • And in all matters large and small, progressives could substitute their own wisdom for the wisdom of God.
    Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The event will focus on wisdom and wellness, featuring engaging speakers, meaningful conversations, and breathtaking coastal views paired with exceptional cuisine, according to a news release.
    Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The new school will increase opportunities for students across colleges by creating new courses in AI literacy and allowing more students to enroll in each major.
    Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 19 Feb. 2026
  • The program dedicates money for literacy instruction in schools.
    Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Wednesday’s game was Minnesota’s Pink Game to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research and treatment.
    John Shipley, Twin Cities, 19 Feb. 2026
  • As the last survivor of the Block 42 resisters, Tanimoto has kept awareness of that complicated, defiant chapter of Japanese American history alive by sharing his story, including at a Day of Remembrance event taking place at noon Saturday at the Sutter County Museum in Yuba City.
    Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • But by pairing it with domain expertise in archaeology and a creative research question, the team repurposed the technology to extract meaning from an object that had resisted interpretation.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Tony Leung Ka-fai, known for his versatility across genres rather than martial arts expertise, brought different strengths to the production.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Chiao is part of a booming new economy of professional experts in their fields who are training AI through a process called reinforcement learning, essentially grading AI’s responses and teaching models to improve through trial and error.
    Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Researchers combined a type of observational learning with intercommunication between its limbs to boost robots’ flexibility.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Irene and Clint Cleaves opened what was then the Four Way Grill in 1946, a Southern food sanctuary with an integrated clientele and a back door through which Stax musicians sometimes entered to avoid attention.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
  • And that notion captured the attention of the public (well, the media), too.
    Ben Smith, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • An array of former intelligence and law enforcement officials have received subpoenas in the investigation.
    Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
  • About 13 million barrels per day of crude oil transited the Strait of Hormuz in 2025, accounting for roughly 31% of global seaborne crude flows, data provided by market intelligence firm Kpler showed.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Nurses may be categorized by their levels of education.
    Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
  • The authors of the October paper stress that coaches and players need more education about the possible hazards for carriers of the sick-cell trait.
    Roxanne Khamsi, The Atlantic, 15 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Knowledge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knowledge. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on knowledge

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!