learn

Definition of learnnext
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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 Since then, Sadie has learned to alert Muse when there are changes in her body. Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026 To learn more about the new variations, click here. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 19 May 2026 To learn more about how The Charlotte Observer is using AI in our newsroom, see our policy here. Charlotte Observer, 19 May 2026 Ask about the midterms and learn more about his career and life. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 19 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for learn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for learn
Verb
  • For those who haven't yet mastered these basics but want to get in better shape, Langowski shared some advice on how to get started.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026
  • If all goes according to plan, this is the version of Starship that SpaceX will use to begin experimenting with in-orbit refueling, a capability engineers must master before sending ships anywhere farther than low-Earth orbit.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • But the victim, realizing he’d been duped, had reached out to police.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
  • The Jackson estate realized after shooting that Jackson’s settlement deal with the Chandlers barred the estate from ever depicting the Chandlers on film.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • Now, a new study suggests researchers may have found the first drug regimen capable of rapid and sustaining relief from suicidal thoughts across a broad group of patients.
    Ariana Eunjung Cha, Washington Post, 19 May 2026
  • Minutes later, police also responded to the 3800 block of Salerno Street where, inside, officers found the two suspects dead.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • Before using agents, salespeople had to memorize a 150-SKU product hierarchy.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 May 2026
  • Other games involve drawing blindfolded, giving the least popular answer to a survey question, memorizing images and hitting the buzzer after a certain amount of time has passed.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • The area North Cornwall has plenty of fancy restaurants, but Prawn on the Lawn in Padstow gets the balance right between sophisticated seafood and laidback service.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • Cameron Brink’s 10 points were the only ones provided by the Sparks’ bench, while the Tempo got 42 points from reserves.
    Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • The heavy context makes Marseille a particularly forbidding environment for young players, which Ethan Nwaneri has discovered to his cost since arriving on loan from Arsenal in January.
    Tom Williams, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • Rent one from Sea Panarea to discover hidden coves, sea caves, and the nearby islets of Basiluzzo and Lisca before settling in for sunset Negronis at the see-and-be-seen Bar del Porto.
    Nicky Swallow, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • The center, located at 7040 Independent Parkway, is also accused of failing to report this incident and other ones to the state in accordance with state law.
    Lina Ruiz May 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
  • That’s where the art galleries and vendors selling Cuban memorabilia are located in CubaNostalgia.
    Sarah Moreno May 14, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • The Psyche team is also coordinating its observations during the flyby with those of the Mars orbiters that are accustomed to studying the Red Planet all the time.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 14 May 2026
  • Research money to study the only hantavirus transmitted from person to person — the same strain that broke out on the cruise ship — dried up.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Learn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/learn. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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