Another Word for Student: 8 Synonyms with Examples
A student is someone who is studying, especially at a college or university. Swap it for a more specific word by age, level or subject.
As a noun: someone who studies
- pupil
- learner
- undergraduate
- postgraduate
- scholar
- trainee
- apprentice
- classmate
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How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- pupil
- A child at school; the usual British word below university.
- learner
- Anyone learning something, often adults or language learners.
- undergraduate
- A university student working for a first degree.
- scholar
- A serious academic, or a student with a scholarship.
- trainee
- Someone learning a job while doing it.
- apprentice
- Someone learning a trade from a skilled worker.
Example sentences
- pupil: The school has about 600 pupils.
- learner: The app is designed for adult learners of English.
- undergraduate: Most undergraduates live in halls in their first year.
- scholar: She is a respected scholar of medieval history.
- trainee: Each trainee is paired with an experienced mentor.
- apprentice: He started as an apprentice electrician at sixteen.
Opposite of student
- teacher
- tutor
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “student”?
The most useful alternatives are “pupil”, “learner”, “undergraduate”, “postgraduate”, “scholar”. For the main sense (someone who studies), “pupil” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “pupil” and “learner”?
pupil: A child at school; the usual British word below university. learner: Anyone learning something, often adults or language learners.
What is the opposite of “student”?
Common antonyms are “teacher”, “tutor”.