school 1 of 2

Definition of schoolnext

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
Catholic schools facing closure might also be converted into charter schools, preserving their academic legacy while aligning with state accountability systems. Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026 Take part in one of Hawaii's most beloved pastimes by booking a lesson at a local surf school. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
Not every child walks to school these days or takes a school bus. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2026 This month, most of CKC’s Myrtle Beach families applied for the Education Scholarship Trust Fund (ESTF), a new school-choice program that includes students schooling at home and in programs like CKC. Kerry McDonald, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for school
Recent Examples of Synonyms for school
Noun
  • Pat Cooligan owns multiple Renzo Gracie academies, which are named after his mentor and master instructor, one of the many Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners in the legendary Gracie family.
    Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The academy has the power to revoke Miller’s certification as a police officer.
    Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The foundation teaches and supports people who have family or friends dealing with someone with Alzheimer's.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Feb. 2026
  • My background as a veteran, educator, and nonprofit leader has taught me how to build coalitions, solve problems, and put people first.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Hicks graduated from the seminary in 1985 before studying philosophy at Loyola University Chicago.
    Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
  • In 2011, Isaacs became the first openly gay rabbi ordained by the Conservative seminary.
    Luis Andres Henao, Sun Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
    Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Years of disinvestment, inconsistent arts funding and bureaucratic contracting delays have hollowed out the robust infrastructure that allows these artists to educate fellow New Yorkers.
    Kimberly Olsen, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“School.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/school. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on school

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