KNOWLEDGE Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

knowledge

noun

ˈnä-lij

Definition of knowledge next

as in science

a body of facts learned by study or experience the forest ranger shared some of his vast knowledge of the woods with us a knowledge of local customs

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as in literacy

the understanding and information gained from being educated the purpose of the tests is to evaluate how much knowledge you have gained in a particular subject

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as in awareness

a state of being aware my knowledge that I was watching a true story made the film more compelling

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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

Examples of knowledge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. —

Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2024 One official with knowledge of the matter said parts of the plan are already being implemented, without specifying which parts. —

Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2024 The famously feuding Gallaghers are about to go on a reunion tour — which anyone with even passing knowledge of their relationship knows is a big, Wonderwall-esque maaaaybe — so Johnson and Sherman lampooned their toxic sibling rivalry. —

Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 13 Oct. 2024 Observing the world with a mingled air of disgust and despair, Brigstocke possesses an intimate knowledge of the tragedy depicted in Stranger. —

Tom Gliatto, People.com, 12 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for knowledge

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'knowledge.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.