SCHOLARSHIPS Synonyms: 16 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'scholarship' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scholarship are erudition , knowledge , and learning . While all these words mean "what is or can be known by an individual or by humankind," scholarship implies the possession of learning characteristic of the advanced scholar in a specialized field of study or investigation. // a work of first-rate literary scholarship

Q: When might 'erudition' be a better fit than 'scholarship'?

The synonyms erudition and scholarship are sometimes interchangeable, but erudition strongly implies the acquiring of profound, recondite, or bookish learning. // an erudition unusual even in a scholar

Q: Where would 'knowledge' be a reasonable alternative to 'scholarship'?

Although the words knowledge and scholarship have much in common, knowledge applies to facts or ideas acquired by study, investigation, observation, or experience. // rich in the knowledge of human nature

Q: When is 'learning' a more appropriate choice than 'scholarship'?

The words learning and scholarship are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, learning applies to knowledge acquired especially through formal, often advanced, schooling. // a book that demonstrates vast learning

scholarship

noun

ˈskä-lər-ˌship

Definition of scholarship next

as in literacy

the understanding and information gained from being educated the historian's new book displays a remarkable level of scholarship

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How does the noun scholarship differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scholarship are erudition, knowledge, and learning. While all these words mean "what is or can be known by an individual or by humankind," scholarship implies the possession of learning characteristic of the advanced scholar in a specialized field of study or investigation.

a work of first-rate literary scholarship

When might erudition be a better fit than scholarship?

The synonyms erudition and scholarship are sometimes interchangeable, but erudition strongly implies the acquiring of profound, recondite, or bookish learning.

an erudition unusual even in a scholar

Where would knowledge be a reasonable alternative to scholarship?

Although the words knowledge and scholarship have much in common, knowledge applies to facts or ideas acquired by study, investigation, observation, or experience.

rich in the knowledge of human nature

When is learning a more appropriate choice than scholarship?

The words learning and scholarship are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, learning applies to knowledge acquired especially through formal, often advanced, schooling.

a book that demonstrates vast learning

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 scholarship In a news release Wednesday, the program encouraged high school seniors to claim their scholarship account before the March 2 California financial aid priority deadline. —

Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 13 Feb. 2026 Grand Champion Sophie Zhou's painting raised a record-breaking $276,000, supporting educational programs and student scholarships. —

Claire Partain, Houston Chronicle, 13 Feb. 2026 Langhenry also helped launch a foundation, Level Ump, which granted 13 scholarships, all to women, to attend the Wendelstedt school. —

Katie Woo, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026 After winning the Alexander McQueen Sarabande Foundation scholarship while completing his MAF at Central Saint Martins, the Israeli native struck out on his own in 2022, first under the label Hadari. —

Ari Stark, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scholarship

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scholarship

Noun

In North Carolina, Brunswick County Schools will create digital literacy kits built around picture books to spark conversations about online safety and media literacy at every grade level.

— Larry Magid, Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2026
The group offers a book club, financial literacy sessions led by one of its members, Damion Robinson, STEM training and more resources and services, depending on what members need.

— Kamal Morgan February 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Feb. 2026

Definition of literacy

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

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Last Updated: 16 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of scholarship

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