teach

Definition of teachnext

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of teach are discipline, educate, instruct, school, and train. While all these words mean "to cause to acquire knowledge or skill," teach applies to any manner of imparting information or skill so that others may learn.

taught us a lot about our planet

When can discipline be used instead of teach?

The meanings of discipline and teach largely overlap; however, discipline implies training in habits of order and precision.

a disciplined mind

When is educate a more appropriate choice than teach?

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

more things than formal schooling serve to educate a person

When could instruct be used to replace teach?

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

instructs raw recruits in military drill

Where would school be a reasonable alternative to teach?

In some situations, the words school and teach are roughly equivalent. However, school implies training or disciplining especially in what is hard to master.

schooled the horse in five gaits

When is it sensible to use train instead of teach?

The words train and teach are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 teach Wallenberg teaches ninth through twelfth grade and is in her 50th year of teaching. Nick Lentz, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026 Goldberg wanted to teach after winding down his software and telemarketing company. Cathy Bussewitz, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2026 Any donation money will go towards laboratory spaces, equipment, and teaching facilities at the Henry Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, according to the University of New Haven. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026 Its job is to teach children how to think critically and reach informed opinions. Courtney Corbello, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for teach
Recent Examples of Synonyms for teach
educate
Verb
  • One floor underground is a labyrinth of snazzy, high-tech equipment designed to bio-hack, educate and optimize performance.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Apr. 2026
  • SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Teach.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/teach. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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