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 Test your knowledge of the week in news, and take last week’s quiz here. Melinda Yao, NBC news, 11 Apr. 2026 Every personal finance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance products. Liz Knueven,ryley Amond, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2026 But this knowledge doesn’t make loss any easier to endure. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 10 Apr. 2026 Shawn Kieffer, Republican director of the Kansas City Election Board, said to the best of his knowledge, there were no signs about citizenship in the city’s polling locations. Jack Harvel april 10, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for knowledge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knowledge
Noun
  • For now, Buchanon is just focused on learning the scheme, his teammates and trying to impart some wisdom on the Horned Frogs’ younger offensive linemen.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026
  • As her mother, Linda Emond's Susan gets only a few moments to shine — and milks every single one for all its worth, doling out wince-worthy advice rooted in real (if outdated) wisdom, as many mothers do.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Youth inside Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall have asked for better access to vocational training, financial literacy courses, and art and music programs, Hahn said.
    Jason Henry, Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Mackey, who previously worked as an analyst at Chrysler Capital, played a leading role in securing Synchrony’s support for the new financial literacy lab.
    P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The Interfaith Advisory Commission would help to coordinate religious services, address the needs of at-risk communities, and provide a platform for education and awareness on integrating different traditions.
    JT Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026
  • By combining visual awareness, conversational memory, and behavioral analytics, Realbotix positions Vinci as a system that not only enhances interaction but also generates actionable insights from those interactions.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Family offices without energy expertise are typically seeking to diversify their portfolio with assets that are uncorrelated to stocks and bonds, Prieto said.
    Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2026
  • When the expertise of our clinical partners is sidelined, under-resourced or not fully integrated into a critical moment, the deadly gap in our response system widens.
    Jim Cook, Baltimore Sun, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • These subgroups align with those designated by Title I, including economically disadvantaged, historically underrepresented racial or ethnic groups, students with specialized learning plans, and those learning the English language.
    Tara Molina, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Jewish students continue to face intimidation, harassment, discrimination, and sometimes violence, often fearing for their safety in environments meant to nurture learning.
    Kenneth L. Marcus, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This week’s wellness trends highlight what’s worth your attention and what may not live up to the hype.
    Abby Norman, Verywell Health, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The food is elegant yet playful with impeccable attention to detail.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The military had recourse to Claude via a drop-down menu in a workflow package, the Maven Smart System, which gathers, synthesizes, and streamlines intelligence.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The package includes long-range strike drones, intelligence and reconnaissance drones, logistics drones and maritime capabilities.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Ultimately, their preferred candidate, a moderate, prevailed, but Jude said that he is disappointed with the new administration’s policies, which have cut already paltry funding for public education.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • The event raises critical funds to provide research, programs, education, and advocacy so moms and babies get the best possible start to life.
    Jessica Riley, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Knowledge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knowledge. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on knowledge

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster