learning 1 of 2

noun

ˈlər-niŋ How to pronounce learning (audio)
Definition of learningnext
as in education
the understanding and information gained from being educated the learning that you get from books is just as important as the experience you get from life

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

learning

2 of 2

verb

present participle of learn
1
as in mastering
to acquire complete knowledge, understanding, or skill in after months of trying, he finally learned the dance steps

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2
as in discovering
to come to an awareness of the directors have since learned that they should examine the company's financial reports a little more closely

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3
as in finding
to come upon after searching, study, or effort the police were astonished when they learned the identity of the students who had vandalized the school

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4
as in studying
to commit to memory he learned the words to the song while performing karaoke

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun learning differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of learning are erudition, knowledge, and scholarship. While all these words mean "what is or can be known by an individual or by humankind," learning applies to knowledge acquired especially through formal, often advanced, schooling.

a book that demonstrates vast learning

Where would erudition be a reasonable alternative to learning?

The words erudition and learning are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, erudition strongly implies the acquiring of profound, recondite, or bookish learning.

an erudition unusual even in a scholar

In what contexts can knowledge take the place of learning?

The words knowledge and learning can be used in similar contexts, but knowledge applies to facts or ideas acquired by study, investigation, observation, or experience.

rich in the knowledge of human nature

When could scholarship be used to replace learning?

While the synonyms scholarship and learning are close in meaning, 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

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 learning
Noun
Based on decades of reading research, this initiative provides professional learning and coaching aligned to the most effective methods of teaching literacy. —Charlene M. Russell-Tucker, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025 Despite not requiring college degrees for most of its jobs, Crash Champions focuses on continued learning. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 13 July 2025
Verb
And yet, learning about Black History, and of successful Black women is still paramount in my daughter's becoming and why reading about people like Mae Jemison is the start. —Davon Loeb, Parents, 15 Feb. 2025 Applying sophisticated machine learning to this data, College Journey provides highly personalized recommendations for best-fit schools, creates dynamic week-by-week action plans, and identifies optimal strategies for maximizing financial aid and merit scholarships. —Jason Phillips, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for learning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for learning
  1. education
  2. mastering
  3. discovering
  4. knowledge
  5. realizing
  6. locating
  7. literacy
  8. scholarship
Noun
  • With financial struggles and worries often cited as reasons for people having fewer children, solutions often focus on calling for policies that include making child care, health care, housing and education more accessible.
    — Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025
  • Pulling the plug on these dollars is likely to impact rural stations the most, which feed information, entertainment and education to isolated communities.
    — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 19 July 2025
Definition of education
Verb
  • The unit uses tools that were once the preserve of the world’s top mastering houses and is inspired by the artistry of mastering engineers.
    — Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
  • From entry-level careers to the C-suite, mastering soft skills opens up leadership opportunities.
    — Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of mastering
Verb
  • Rubin, who died in 2016, was an American astronomer known for discovering dark matter.
    — Josephine Rozzelle, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Since 1980, inspection laws and methods of inspection have gotten more stringent, resulting in building owners and the city’s Department of Buildings discovering more facade issues.
    — Mark Dent, thehustle.co, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of discovering
Noun
  • More: Great Lakes tribes’ knowledge of nature could be key to navigating climate change.
    — Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • Given their long-standing reputations and deep knowledge of the industry, both execs are well positioned to troubleshoot issues anywhere – whether remotely or on set – ensuring flow and leveraging their strong connections with former colleagues.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 23 July 2025
Definition of knowledge
Verb
  • Young people also are realizing that clicking on other people's exaggerated lifestyles doesn't lead to a positive frame of mind.
    — Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024
  • The clip showed Naya surrounded by several bags in her hospital bed and freaking out after realizing who the presents were from.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY, 23 Dec. 2024
Definition of realizing
Verb
  • The owner needs help locating this suspect to pursue criminal and legal action.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Doug Vine, director of energy analysis at the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, says there is innovation around everything from locating smaller, next-generation nuclear power plants by data centers to improving the electricity transmission capability of existing lines.
    — Riley Robinson, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of locating
Noun
  • Our mission is to increase access to books and their authors, hold space for community conversations guided by books and their authors and to increase critical literacy and the love of reading for all ages.
    — American Booksellers Association, USA Today, 25 July 2025
  • The Trump administration is releasing billions of dollars in grants to schools for adult literacy, English language instruction and other programs, the Education Department said Friday.
    — Collin Binkley, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2025
Definition of literacy
Noun
  • Cartwright was widely respected for his scholarship and steady presence in academic and ethical discourse, particularly in the development of Black religious studies and social ethics curricula.
    — Sonari Glinton, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Through Pell Grants, scholarships and state and institutional financial aid, she's managed to avoid taking out any student loans, public or private, so far.
    — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 14 July 2025
Definition of scholarship

Browse Nearby Words

learners
learning
learns
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Cite this Entry

“Learning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/learning. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of learning for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about learning

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