learn

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb learn contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of learn are ascertain, determine, discover, and unearth. While all these words mean "to find out what one did not previously know," learn may imply acquiring knowledge with little effort or conscious intention (as by simply being told) or it may imply study and practice.

I learned her name only today
learning Greek

Where would ascertain be a reasonable alternative to learn?

Although the words ascertain and learn have much in common, ascertain implies effort to find the facts or the truth proceeding from awareness of ignorance or uncertainty.

attempts to ascertain the population of the region

When would determine be a good substitute for learn?

The words determine and learn are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely.

unable to determine the origin of the word

When could discover be used to replace learn?

The meanings of discover and learn largely overlap; however, discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter.

discovered the source of the river

When can unearth be used instead of learn?

While in some cases nearly identical to learn, unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden.

unearth old records

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 learn But project managers have learned that most of their funding was removed by a continuing congressional budget resolution earlier this spring and much of what remained is impounded by the White House budget office. Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025 In August 2023, the museum opened its Discovery Spot, a 5,000-square-foot exhibit specifically designed for children 6 and under to learn about Florida ecosystems, like the Everglades and ocean. Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 12 May 2025 Owner Darrell Wilkerson went to Philadelphia and worked in both the city’s legendary cheesesteak hangouts, Jim’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks, to learn the secrets behind the genuine Philly. Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 May 2025 Guests at the conversations will include producers, sales agents, distributors and creatives looking to learn about the different filming opportunities in these regions. William Earl, Variety, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for learn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for learn
Verb
  • Nike has mastered this by creating compelling narratives around athletes’ journeys.
    Erik Huberman, Rolling Stone, 21 May 2025
  • Topics include earning passive income online, mastering communication and public speaking skills, acing your job interview, and practical strategies to grow your wealth.
    Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • This tells us that the moon was volcanically active for much longer than scientists had realized — perhaps as recently as 120 million years ago.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 14 May 2025
  • The Trump administration seems at long last to have realized that having a near-embargo in both directions between the world’s two largest economies isn’t such a great idea.
    The Editors, National Review, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Authorities said his car was found at the Mount Adams trailhead, while his remains were found on the Allen Mountain Trail.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Try to find a place that will block blowing or falling debris.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The best professionals won’t be the ones who memorize the most or respond the fastest.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025
  • Plus, Babbel isn’t just about memorizing new words with flashcards.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 21 May 2025
  • Shares of the company got a little boost from the interest signaled by the poison pill and gained 3.2 percent to $23.51 in premarket trading on Tuesday.
    Evan Clark, Footwear News, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Aicha discovers that Ruby had been there with a man driving a Porsche Taycan Turbo.
    Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 16 May 2025
  • Detectives also discovered a 13-year-old girl living in the home.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Branford has had three or more breweries located there in the past.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025
  • Similarly, terminals located in channels that connect to rivers can have water levels that rise with significant rainfall that can also make maneuvering and controlling the tankers difficult.
    Renny Vandewege, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Catharine Biddle, who studies rural education at the University of Maine, says families in the state frequently encounter long waitlists for private mental health services for their children.
    Jonaki Mehta, NPR, 19 May 2025
  • Crane had a ready response for that, noting that few people these days bother to study their receipts.
    Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Learn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/learn. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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