Another Word for Know: 14 Synonyms with Examples
To know is to be aware of something, to have learned it, or to be familiar with someone. A more exact verb can show how the knowledge was gained or how certain it is.
As a verb: be aware of
- be aware
- realise
- recognise
- understand
- appreciate
- be conscious
As a verb: have learned
- understand
- be familiar with
- have mastered
- be versed in
As a verb: be acquainted with
- be acquainted with
- be friends with
- be familiar with
As a verb: identify
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- be aware
- Has noticed or been told about something, without implying deep knowledge.
- realise
- Comes to know something, often suddenly.
- recognise
- Knows something again when seeing it, or accepts that it is true.
- be familiar with
- Has some experience of something, not necessarily expert.
- have mastered
- Knows a skill or subject thoroughly.
- be acquainted with
- Formal; knows a person slightly.
Example sentences
- be aware: Most residents are aware of the parking changes.
- realise: Halfway home, she realised she had left her keys at work.
- recognise: I recognised the tune from the first two notes.
- be familiar with: Applicants should be familiar with basic spreadsheets.
- have mastered: By the end of the year, he had mastered the main chords.
- be acquainted with: We were acquainted with the owners before they opened the shop.
Opposite of know
- be unaware
- be ignorant of
- misunderstand
- ignore
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “know”?
The most useful alternatives are “be aware”, “realise”, “recognise”, “understand”, “appreciate”. For the main sense (be aware of), “be aware” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “be aware” and “realise”?
be aware: Has noticed or been told about something, without implying deep knowledge. realise: Comes to know something, often suddenly.
What is the opposite of “know”?
Common antonyms are “be unaware”, “be ignorant of”, “misunderstand”, “ignore”.