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, 24 Jan. 2026 Every personal finance is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance products. Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2026 This question is subjective without a lot of inside knowledge on this topic. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 24 Jan. 2026 Three sources with knowledge previously told USA TODAY that some of those funds would be stored in an account in the Persian Gulf nation of Qatar. Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for knowledge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knowledge
Noun
  • Zendaya will portray Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, in the movie, according to Empire magazine.
    Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
  • There is wisdom that comes with experience, and that applies to many aspects of life, including beauty.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • However, what has also emerged as a growing barrier for aspiring solopreneurs is a lack of AI literacy.
    Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The State Department of Education would also need to generate and recommend AI literacy standards for K-12 students, assessment guidelines to evaluate understanding and a professional development plan on AI.
    Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Along with her late husband, the pair founded VIB, an anti-violence nonprofit dedicated to raising social awareness and aiding community causes in Boston, federal prosecutors said.
    Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Saturday’s game is also being advertised an autism awareness night, offering earplugs, fidget toys and a sensory break area for fans who plan to attend.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • And while financial contributions matter, so does giving of one’s time, skills, and expertise—volunteering can be just as powerful as any donation.
    Cat Ward, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • For a whole-hog barbecue challenge, Sam Jones of Sam Jones Barbecue in Raleigh, Lewis Donald of Sweet Lew’s BBQ in Charlotte and the Monk family of Lexington Barbecue in Lexington add expertise to the crew of pitmasters assisting the competitors.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Student and teacher input continues to shape the course and Weatherford said there is always room for improvement, such as adding additional novels that represent the Asian Pacific Islander and Native American experience, and more professional learning for teachers.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Superintendent Tony Watlington said all School District of Philadelphia school buildings will be closed, but Tuesday will be a virtual learning day for students.
    Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Ebrahimi’s death has also renewed attention on the case of another Iranian boxer, Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani, who is on death row.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The incident heightened national attention on aviation safety in 2025, with many people questioning whether flying was safe.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Piantedosi presided over a meeting of law enforcement and intelligence services on Tuesday to discuss security for the Games.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Jan. 2026
  • As Moore’s Law continues to compound and intelligence moves decisively to the Edge, AI and Digital Twins are becoming foundational layers of the global economy.
    Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Julia Mejia arguably received the most favorable committee chairmanship of Worrell’s supporters, with education.
    Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Summit speakers explored the current landscape of business and industry across health care, child care, education, manufacturing and development sectors, by discussing trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the region’s economy.
    Marianne Love, Daily News, 13 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Knowledge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knowledge. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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