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school

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word school different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of school are discipline, educate, instruct, teach, and train. While all these words mean "to cause to acquire knowledge or skill," school implies training or disciplining especially in what is hard to master.

schooled the horse in five gaits

When is discipline a more appropriate choice than school?

While in some cases nearly identical to school, discipline implies training in habits of order and precision.

a disciplined mind

In what contexts can educate take the place of school?

While the synonyms educate and school are close in meaning, educate implies development of the mind.

more things than formal schooling serve to educate a person

When might instruct be a better fit than school?

The synonyms instruct and school are sometimes interchangeable, but instruct suggests methodical or formal teaching.

instructs raw recruits in military drill

When is it sensible to use teach instead of school?

In some situations, the words teach and school are roughly equivalent. However, teach applies to any manner of imparting information or skill so that others may learn.

taught us a lot about our planet

When can train be used instead of school?

The words train and school can be used in similar contexts, but train stresses instruction and drill with a specific end in view.

trained foreign pilots to operate the new aircraft

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 school
Noun
For schools and service providers, this means thinking beyond enrollment. Botir Nasridinov, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 For these schools, the challenge will be to create opportunities on top of the $20.5 million. Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2025
Verb
Although Santa Monica might have set out to school Abby on pleasuring herself and others, the dancer also learns a thing or two. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 8 May 2025 And while guests might not all be fluent in French or schooled in the astronomical calendar, the collective mood made one thing clear: this arrival is a capital-B Big Deal. Freya Drohan, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for school
Recent Examples of Synonyms for school
Noun
  • Teams, including at academy sides, are given competition-specific balls to train with before matches.
    Liam Tharme, New York Times, 8 June 2025
  • Boasting 11 polo grounds, a polo academy, and its famous Pavillion Restaurant (serving decadent four-course lunches)—it has hosted some of the world’s most influential figures, from George VI to the Maharaja of Jaipur, the sultan of Brunei and the current Royal Family.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Verb
  • They are set to teach at a school in Morocco’s capital Rabat that follows the American model of education.
    Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
  • Part of the campaign includes a limited edition Squish the Bug home plate turf mat designed to teach Little Leaguers the fundamentals of batting.
    John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • And all of these places essentially are madrassas, or Islamic seminaries.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 9 May 2025
  • Historically, popes have not been associated with any specific religious order, but instead have been former priests who've ascended the church's hierarchy from diocesan seminaries and parishes.
    Erik Ortiz, NBC news, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • Retail investors shouldn’t be seen as hurdles, but rather as opportunities for widespread adoption, and must be educated for sustainable innovation.
    Joash Lee, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Healthcare providers and community leaders must also educate patients about vaccination benefits, particularly for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and those with high exposure.
    Dr. Jerome Adams, Time, 10 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“School.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/school. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on school

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