learn

verb

ˈlərn How to pronounce learn (audio)
Definition of learnnext
1
as in to master
to acquire complete knowledge, understanding, or skill in after months of trying, he finally learned the dance steps

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to find
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to memorize
to commit to memory he learned the words to the song while performing karaoke

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Ritchie’s process Multiple Gentlemen cast members have talked about Ritchie’s on-set process, which often calls on actors to learn new versions of scripts in the moment, or ad-lib to improve a scene. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2026 Exceptions will be made for helping students with learning disabilities or are still learning English. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026 The importance of special teams versatility was among the lessons learned when putting together the Chiefs’ 53-man roster. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026 In other trials, a reinforcement-learning model took full control of the heating systems. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for learn
Recent Examples of Synonyms for learn
  1. master
  2. realize
  3. find
  4. memorize
  5. get
  6. discover
  7. locate
  8. study
Verb
  • Rookies ultimately have to master such challenges as flight dynamics, parachute malfunctions, and landing in dangerous conditions.
    — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
  • To be sure, successful leaders manage to master this self-presentational skill with the talent of great method-actors.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of master
Verb
  • Some people didn't realize a data center was being built in their community until construction began.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • George Lucas, for his part, has suggested that bringing the Lucas Museum to fruition—a project beset by delays and controversy that has taken nearly a decade to realize—was a herculean effort.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of realize
Verb
  • Much of that is because of Bowers, arguably the most talented tight end league-wide, but also because Mayer has found success in Kubiak’s heavy sets, and Thomas continues to provide value as a blocker.
    — Sam Warren, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Red walls, heavy draperies with swags and fringe, and jacquard fabrics with gold accents could be found in many homes.
    — Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of find
Verb
  • The law also required children to memorize their multiplication tables.
    — Mary Jean Tecce DeCarlo, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Others are employing the old-fashioned strategy deployed by their parents, strutting up to storefronts with resume in hand and elevator pitch memorized.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of memorize
Verb
  • When the earnings release first hit the tape, the stock initially moved higher by a couple of percentage points, only to reverse course before the conference call even got underway.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • But then Sandy stops by for a friendly chat, and his daughter Nina (Zosia Mamet, ice-cold and slightly underused) gets serious.
    — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of get
Verb
  • Expect to discover many novel flavors of Brazil—butiá, cajú, cumaru—worked into the menu in unique ways.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Detectives believe 44-year-old Lacurtis Knight, from Tamarac, was hit Sunday by the car somewhere else, and then moved by someone to where his body was discovered, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
    — David Goodhue August 28, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of discover
Verb
  • He was located in Indiana, where he is being held pending extradiction, the release said.
    — Elgin Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • According to police, crews with the Westport Police Department located the vessel, a white 1998 Seamaster, and found that it was submerged.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of locate
Verb
  • Others are already moving confidently through modern cities, studying, working and shaping lives increasingly separate from traditional expectations.
    — PhotoVogue, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Until now, researchers had not studied the impact of the bridges Fika built.
    — Fatma Tanis, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of study

Browse Nearby Words

leaps
learn
learned
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Learn.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/learn. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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