learn

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb learn contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of learn are ascertain, determine, discover, and unearth. While all these words mean "to find out what one did not previously know," learn may imply acquiring knowledge with little effort or conscious intention (as by simply being told) or it may imply study and practice.

I learned her name only today
learning Greek

Where would ascertain be a reasonable alternative to learn?

Although the words ascertain and learn have much in common, ascertain implies effort to find the facts or the truth proceeding from awareness of ignorance or uncertainty.

attempts to ascertain the population of the region

When would determine be a good substitute for learn?

The words determine and learn are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, determine emphasizes the intent to establish the facts definitely or precisely.

unable to determine the origin of the word

When could discover be used to replace learn?

The meanings of discover and learn largely overlap; however, discover may apply to something requiring exploration or investigation or to a chance encounter.

discovered the source of the river

When can unearth be used instead of learn?

While in some cases nearly identical to learn, unearth implies bringing to light something forgotten or hidden.

unearth old records

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 learn This is a learning opportunity rooted in both experience and education, so what are your intentions for growth through study and travel? Libra Shuhua Xiong Venus-Saturn conjunction on April 24: Make your routines more relational. Colin Bedell, Them., 18 Apr. 2025 To learn more about the slithery, slimy donation, visit here. Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025 Designed to be a language-learning tool in your pocket, the app's popularity has skyrocketed. Alice Gibbs, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025 Tuesday, 2/25 Bake cornbread and learn the history behind Southern soul food at the Fenway Community Center, 3-4pm. Steph Solis, Axios, 10 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for learn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for learn
Verb
  • Now, a new study adds basic geometry to the list of subjects these brainy birds seem to be able to master.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Any club would naturally be eager to sign a player who has mastered the most fundamental skill required to excel as a striker.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Like many other residents, Siba did not realize that other armed groups were also coming with a different motive: hunting down Alawites.
    Christina Goldbaum, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • During the five years, while some of the art was displayed a few blocks away in the Brutalist former home of the Whitney at Madison and 75th, the Frick has been rebuilt and restored and rehabbed, successfully realizing a vision of Ian Wardropper, who just stepped down as the Frick’s director.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • With Mark Scheifele and Connor cycling on the outside, trying desperately to find a chance in the middle, Iafallo drove to the net and jumped on a Scheifele rebound, scoring the game-tying goal while off balance in the slot.
    Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Those few minutes sent students scrambling for cover and barricading themselves around campus until authorities found them.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Salespeople attend workshops, memorize messaging, and role-play with colleagues — but these exercises rarely prepare them for the emotional turbulence of real customer conversations.
    Rhett Power, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Mainstream music was soon pervaded by miniature forms that could be memorized—the four-minute song, not the 40-minute symphony.
    Matthew Aucoin, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Otherwise, a ton of talented players got to achieve their dreams this weekend.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
  • After the performances are over and this year's inductees are revealed, viewers will get the chance to vote for their favorite contestants before eliminations.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In an Episode 2 hospital flashback, Abby discovers her father, who was about to remove Ellie's brain for a humanity-saving cure.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • First discovered: 9:05 p.m. April 21 Initial location: Humboldt County, Calif. Fire type: Wildfire Fire name: Village A new wildfire was reported today at 9:05 p.m. in Humboldt County.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • No special skills were needed to locate the bounty given they were spread out across the grass in plain sight.
    Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2025
  • In other words, while the remains were located over the span of two months, that does not indicate the victims died around the same time.
    Audrey Conklin, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Tosca works in the entertainment industry After graduating from high school early, Tosca went on to study film at the University of British Columbia, per The Sydney Morning Herald.
    Alex Gurley, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The now-defunct Palm Center research institute, which studied LGBTQ+ military participation, found that trans health care costs the Department of Defense roughly $3 million annually, less than one-tenth of one percent of the department’s budget.
    Abby Monteil, Them., 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Learn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/learn. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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