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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.

Outside of his live-band career, Foreman was a prolific DJ and a deeply knowledgeable music journalist.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

The sales process is expected to stretch into summer, the knowledgeable people said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

Those close to the squad have described Lampard as humble and knowledgeable - his personable nature took some players by surprise when he joined, given his decorated career.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Franklin was more knowledgeable about medicine than many doctors of his day.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

They were familiar voices, friends that never quarreled with her, clever, powerful friends—daring and knowledgeable, tried and tested adventurers who had traveled far and wide.

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke