Synonyms of scholarship

scholarship

noun

ˈskä-lər-ˌship 

as in literacy

the understanding and information gained from being educated

the historian's new book displays a remarkable level of scholarship

Synonyms & Similar Words

• literacy
• knowledge
• education
• learning
• erudition
• culture
• learnedness
• enlightenment
• edification
• reading
• pedantry
• bookishness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignorance
• illiteracy
• illiterateness
• functional illiteracy

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun scholarship differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scholarship are erudition, knowledge, and learning. While all these words mean "what is or can be known by an individual or by humankind," 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

When might erudition be a better fit than scholarship?

The synonyms erudition and scholarship are sometimes interchangeable, but erudition strongly implies the acquiring of profound, recondite, or bookish learning.

an erudition unusual even in a scholar

Where would knowledge be a reasonable alternative to scholarship?

Although the words knowledge and scholarship have much in common, knowledge applies to facts or ideas acquired by study, investigation, observation, or experience.

rich in the knowledge of human nature

When is learning a more appropriate choice than scholarship?

The words learning and scholarship 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scholarship

Many participants say the organization – a large provider of scholarship assistance to young women – has been life-altering, opening doors for them both personally and professionally. —Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 7 Sep. 2025

Legislative initiatives that enhance accessibility of cyber training and education through scholarship programs for two-year degrees at community colleges and technical schools can strengthen the talent pipeline. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025

Kai and Isaiah formally accepted scholarship offers in June 2012, and while Kai held his commitment, after receiving other offers, Isaiah began to question his. —Emily Krauser, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025

The West Virginia man set up a foundation that built two churches in his home state and gave food, clothing and scholarships to local students, according to a 2020 New York Times obituary. —Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025