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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
In January, the Trump administration said immigration agents were free to make arrests in sensitive locations once considered off limits, such as hospitals, schools and churches. Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025 Cursive has been out of vogue for 15 years, after schools began adopting a Common Core curriculum, which de-emphasized the writing style. Chris Morris, Fortune, 26 June 2025
Verb
The simple moments ended up meaning the most: playing Scrabble with David every morning, getting schooled on all things Harry Potter by Star, having deep talks with Mary, and jogging around Ponderosa each day to reset. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 19 May 2025 Now, a few days after headlining Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre, Benét is schooling me on health, authenticity, and the ability to keep an open mind. Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for school
Recent Examples of Synonyms for school
Noun
  • Quansah came through Liverpool’s academy and made his breakthrough in the 2023-24 season after a debut in August 2023.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • The nation’s first law school was established there, as was the first all-female academy.
    Marcia DeSanctis, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • But those early days, taking classes during the day and working at night, taught her an invaluable life lesson.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 June 2025
  • Prior to receiving any money, all participants will go through a series of eight financial literacy classes that will teach skills like budgeting, investing, and long-term financial planning.
    P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Mojtaba Khamenei currently teaches theology at a religious seminary in Qom and is closely aligned with his father’s hardline views, Reuters reported, citing sources.
    Greg Norman, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
  • The seminary’s active uses are concentrated on the north campus — spanning 10 acres — which consists of three major administrative buildings, a small chapel and nine single-family homes for students.
    Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • Instead, follow new rules: Entertain first, then inspire or educate.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • Elite provides hybrid education and online school — mainly homeschooling — to about 1,800 students who are primarily taught by their parents or private vendors who Elite pays to educate its students.
    Kristen Taketa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“School.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/school. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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