untutored

Synonym Chooser

How is the word untutored distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of untutored are ignorant, illiterate, unlearned, and unlettered. While all these words mean "not having knowledge," untutored may imply lack of schooling in the arts and ways of civilization.

strange monuments built by an untutored people

When is ignorant a more appropriate choice than untutored?

The words ignorant and untutored can be used in similar contexts, but ignorant may imply a general condition or it may apply to lack of knowledge or awareness of a particular thing.

an ignorant fool
ignorant of nuclear physics

When would illiterate be a good substitute for untutored?

Although the words illiterate and untutored have much in common, illiterate applies to either an absolute or a relative inability to read and write.

much of the population is still illiterate

When can unlearned be used instead of untutored?

The synonyms unlearned and untutored are sometimes interchangeable, but unlearned suggests ignorance of advanced subjects.

poetry not for academics but for the unlearned masses

Where would unlettered be a reasonable alternative to untutored?

The meanings of unlettered and untutored largely overlap; however, unlettered implies ignorance of the knowledge gained by reading.

an allusion meaningless to the unlettered

Thesaurus Entries Near untutored

Cite this Entry

“Untutored.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/untutored. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

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