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Synonyms

knowledgeable

American  
[nol-i-juh-buhl] / ˈnɒl ɪ dʒə bəl /
Or knowledgable

adjective

  1. possessing or exhibiting knowledge, insight, or understanding; intelligent; well-informed; discerning; perceptive.


knowledgeable British  
/ ˈnɒlɪdʒəbəl /

adjective

  1. possessing or indicating much knowledge

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of knowledgeable

First recorded in 1600–10; knowledge + -able

Explanation

Someone who is knowledgeable is highly educated and well versed in a particular subject. Making it your life goal to become knowledgeable about naked mole rats might not win you the Nobel Prize, but it might be fun. It’s interesting to note the shift in meaning of the adjective knowledgeable from when it was first recorded in the 1600s and now. Originally, knowledgeable was spelled without the second -e, and meant “capable of being known, recognizable.” Now, though, we use the adjective to describe that which has or displays knowledge. If you're well-read and alert, you're knowledgeable about the ways of the world.

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Vocabulary lists containing knowledgeable

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Even the most knowledgeable fans have difficulty knowing much about the mostly anonymous high school and college players taken by the 30 teams through 20 rounds.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 13, 2026

As I give talks and take questions from readers, I’ve come to realize that those who are the most skilled at using AI are equally knowledgeable about where they should keep hands off.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 21, 2026

The DNI has been doing this with the merging of intelligence assets with A.I., according to knowledgeable sources.

From Slate Jun. 15, 2026

"Working has kept me young, vigorous, energetic, knowledgeable, fun," said Cohen, who has represented celebrities in their divorces, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

From BBC Jun. 13, 2026

Anyone knowledgeable about human societies can cite innumerable examples of societies that refused crops, livestock, and other innovations that would have been productive.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

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