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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.

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

From Slate • Jun. 15, 2026

But a knowledgeable tax preparer can help manage expectations.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

She told the BBC the King was "very knowledgeable all about Horizon".

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

I want you to think I’m smart, knowledgeable and a good person.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

Were Alpert a plumber, he would be just as exacting and thorough and knowledgeable about the ways of the marketplace.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell

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