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 The others, authorities said, were created fraudulently using the names and identifying information of other trucking or transportation companies without their knowledge. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2026 Test your knowledge of the week in news, and take last week’s quiz here. Melinda Yao, NBC news, 7 Mar. 2026 Five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby is heading to the Baltimore Ravens, two people with knowledge of the trade told the Associated Press on Friday night. Rob Maaddi, Chicago Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026 Even the challenges are designed to be fun and challenging while still using our knowledge of the cast. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for knowledge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knowledge
Noun
  • The simple strategy that spawned the Aflac duck The experiences that a long-serving CEO accumulates bring wisdom, Amos says.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026
  • There was appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity, as well as the wisdom and words, that Holtz provided to them during their lives, but it was muddied by his support of a political figure so many passionately opposed, and/or despised.
    Mac Engel March 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The key characteristics identified in the new accountability system include academic mastery, career and postsecondary readiness, communication and collaboration, work ethic, and civic, financial and digital literacy.
    Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
  • And Montano wants to help advocate for policies that will raise child literacy rates within the district.
    Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Coalie, however, isn’t selling forest fire prevention or personal safety awareness or fair housing regulations.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Travelers can also take additional steps by staying vigilant for petty crime, and moving throughout the city with extra awareness.
    Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The project brought together expertise across materials science, nanoscale heat transfer, device engineering and manufacturing.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 2026
  • With decades of expertise, Martha's newest book will cover everything from cooking, entertaining, home organizing, collecting, and gardening, breaking each topic down into clear, actionable guidance.
    Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Burling pointed to a San Diego rabbi, Yoram Dahan, as someone familiar with his Jewish learning and involvement in the community.
    Asaf Elia-Shalev, Sun Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Every task required a new login, new interface, new learning curve.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In Massachusetts, advocates are turning attention to an existing office in the state’s education department.
    Collin Binkley, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Besides Heldens and Carpenter, also attached is former Disney Channels Worldwide president/Disney Branded Television president and chief creative officer Gary Marsh, who departed that post in 2021 and turned his attention to producing.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Shipping intelligence data provider Kpler estimates around 12 million barrels of crude oil to have passed through the strait since the war started.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
  • During the 1980s Iran-Iraq War, the United States actively supported Saddam Hussein — providing intelligence and diplomatic cover even as Iraq deployed chemical weapons against Iranian soldiers and civilians.
    Letters to the Editor, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • For one, people who sit on school boards in Minnesota are largely the candidates that teachers unions want to see running education.
    Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Congress largely rejected those cuts last month, although funding for programs focusing on social drivers of health, such as access to food, housing and education, were axed.
    Angela Hart, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Knowledge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knowledge. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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