Are you looking for another way to say “know-it-all”? It’s a decent choice, but it’s a bit insulting. So, you might want to find a few formal options.
Luckily, this article is here to help. We’ll teach you a nice way to say someone is a know-it-all and show you phrases that work better.
- Walking encyclopedia
- Clever clogs
- Wiseacre
- Intelligent
- Intellectual
- Smarty-pants
- Smart-aleck
- Genius
- Clever
Keep reading to learn more about the best synonyms. We’ve explained everything you need to know and how they might appear in context.
1. Walking Encyclopedia
“Walking encyclopedia” is a fancy way to say “know-it-all.” It is not offensive, as it does not assume that someone shows off their knowledge.
Instead, it’s a fairly polite term you can use as a compliment. It shows that someone’s knowledge impresses you, and you want them to know that.
Generally, it’s good to use when talking to friends and trying to compliment them.
Here are some examples to help you understand it:
- Jack is a walking encyclopedia. If you ever have to ask someone a question, you should turn to him.
- You’re a walking encyclopedia! I wish I had your knowledge about these things. It’s quite remarkable.
2. Clever Clogs
“Clever clogs” is a more informal phrase. It’s an idiom that shows you respect someone’s knowledge about a specific subject. Therefore, it’s much more polite than calling someone a “know-it-all.”
You should use “clever clogs” when someone says something that impresses you. It shows you have no idea how they knew something (especially if you didn’t know it yourself).
You may also use it sarcastically to show annoyance towards someone, though.
The definition of “clever clogs,” according to The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is “a person who is clever in a way that is annoying.”
You may want to refer to the following examples to see how it works:
- You’re quite the clever clogs, aren’t you? I’d love to learn where you get your information from.
- She’s a clever clogs, that’s for sure. I could listen to her speak all day.
3. Wiseacre
“Wiseacre” is a slightly more specific term. You can use it when someone claims to know more than they do.
It’s not as complimentary as some of the other terms, but it’s still a good one to replace “know-it-all” in most cases.
The definition of “wiseacre,” according to The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is “one who pretends to knowledge or cleverness.”
Here are some examples to help you understand it:
- He’s a bit of a wiseacre. I don’t know if he actually knows most of the things he claims.
- You’re a wiseacre, but I’m not sure how much I believe you know what you’re doing.
4. Intelligent
“Intelligent” is a great synonym that shows someone is smart. You should use it when you are impressed by what they know and want them to share their knowledge with you.
It’s very polite and complimentary. You may want to use it when telling coworkers that they impress you with the information they know.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “intelligent” as “having or indicating a high or satisfactory degree of intelligence and mental capacity.”
How about checking out these examples to see how to use it:
- She’s too intelligent for us. We can’t keep up with the things she knows. But that’s okay!
- I’m intelligent enough to know what’s going on here. I don’t want people to think less of me for saying that.
5. Intellectual
“Intellectual” is a slightly more formal term. It still shows that you think someone is smart, but it’s less common to use in conversational contexts.
Still, it’s polite and respectful. Most will be flattered if you call them intellectual.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “intellectual” as “of or relating to the intellect or its use.”
The examples below will show you how it works:
- You’re an intellectual, so they rely on you. Don’t you understand that?
- She’s too much of an intellectual, to be honest. She always seems to know what to say.
6. Smarty-Pants
“Smarty-pants” is a fun way to say “know-it-all.” You can use it when someone impresses you with their knowledge.
It’s much more polite than “know-it-all,” though you can use it sarcastically if someone claims to know more than most.
The definition of “smarty-pants,” according to The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is “know-it-all.”
We’ve created some examples to help you with it:
- We also need to speak to him because he’s a smarty-pants. He’ll have most of the answers we need.
- Since you’re a smarty-pants, we’re coming to you for help. After all, you must know what to do.
7. Smart-Aleck
“Smart-aleck” is an idiom that implies someone has a lot of knowledge. However, it suggests they are arrogant about their knowledge.
It’s more synonymous with “know-it-all,” but it’s not polite because it suggests that someone uses their knowledge in a smug way.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “smart-aleck” as “an obnoxiously conceited and self-assertive person with pretensions to smartness or cleverness.”
Here are some examples to check out:
- Jack is a smart-aleck, so I want to know how he found out those things. He still thinks he’s better than us!
- You’re a smart-aleck, so we don’t need your help. After all, you would just brag about your knowledge and say nothing, wouldn’t you?
8. Genius
“Genius” is a complimentary term to use for someone smart. You should say it to friends when you think they know a lot or you rely on them for their knowledge.
It’s a great way to show respect towards someone for the things they know. Generally, most will be flattered if you call them genius.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “genius” as “showing or suggesting great cleverness, skill, or originality.”
You can refer to the following examples:
- Danielle is a genius! She is very humble about it, too, so she won’t brag about how much she knows.
- You’re quite the genius, aren’t you? We need you to help us with this problem, then.
9. Clever
“Clever” is the simplest term you can use to compliment someone who knows a lot.
It’s polite because it does not assume that someone is mocking your lack of knowledge (unlike “know-it-all,” which is often negative).
The definition of “clever,” according to The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is “mentally quick and resourceful.”
You may want to look through these examples:
- She is clever enough to know better, though. Maybe you should talk to her to find out what she says about this.
- It’s very clever of him to say something like that. I certainly wonder how long it took him to think of it.
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
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fancy word for know it alls I guess
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- smart aleck
- wise guy
- braggart
- brain
- intellectual
- windbag
- wiseacre
- smart-ass
- smarty-pants
- walking encyclopedia
Roget’s 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
On this page you’ll find 44 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to know-it-all, such as: smart aleck, wise guy, braggart, brain, intellectual, and windbag.
How to use know-it-all in a sentence
Lewis was one of these stuck-up, know-it-all johnnies, not long breeched.
TWO ON THE TRAILHULBERT FOOTNER
They couldn’t fool me with their slick off-the-cuff ready-made know-it-all responses!
THE CAPGRAS SHIFTSAM VAKNIN
«She is—and she’s just what you need,» said Sue, with that know-it-all smile of hers.
THE HARBORERNEST POOLE
He must keep in sympathetic touch with the new, damning the know-it-all frame of mind.
THE CONQUEST OF FEARBASIL KING
He is impressed with the suggestion that the speaker is a «know-it-all» fellow.
CERTAIN SUCCESSNORVAL A. HAWKINS
SYNONYM OF THE DAY
OCTOBER 26, 1985
WORDS RELATED TO KNOW-IT-ALL
- aloof
- assuming
- audacious
- autocratic
- biggety
- bossy
- bragging
- cavalier
- cheeky
- cocky
- cold-shoulder
- conceited
- contemptuous
- cool
- disdainful
- domineering
- egotistic
- haughty
- high-and-mighty
- high-handed
- imperious
- insolent
- know-it-all
- lordly
- on an ego trip
- overbearing
- peremptory
- pompous
- presumptuous
- pretentious
- proud
- puffed up
- scornful
- self-important
- smarty
- smarty-pants
- smug
- sniffy
- snippy
- snooty
- snotty
- stuck up
- supercilious
- superior
- swaggering
- uppity
- vain
- blowhard
- braggart
- bragger
- egomaniac
- egotist
- know-it-all
- show-off
- trumpeter
- bag of wind
- big talker
- blowhard
- blusterer
- boaster
- brag
- braggart
- bragger
- bull artist
- bull-thrower
- gasbag
- gossiper
- grandstander
- know-it-all
- show-off
- swelled head
- trumpeter
- windbag
- arrogant
- big
- big-headed
- bombastic
- cocky
- conceited
- crowing
- egotistic
- egotistical
- exultant
- full of hot air
- highfalutin
- hot stuff
- know-it-all
- loudmouth
- on ego trip
- pompous
- pretentious
- puffed-up
- self-aggrandizing
- self-applauding
- smart-alecky
- snooty
- strutting
- stuck-up
- swaggering
- swanky
- swollen-headed
- too big for one’s britches
- vainglorious
- vaunting
- windbag
- bag of wind
- big talker
- big-timer
- bigmouth
- blatherskite
- blowhard
- blusterer
- boaster
- brag
- braggadocio
- bragger
- egotist
- exhibitionist
- gasbag
- gascon
- grandstander
- hotshot
- know-it-all
- peacock
- ranter
- raver
- show off
- strutter
- swaggerer
- swashbuckler
- swelled head
- trumpeter
- windbag
- arrogant
- brash
- bumptious
- certain
- cocksure
- conceited
- confident
- egotistical
- hotdogger
- hotshot
- hubristic
- know-it-all
- lordly
- nervy
- overconfident
- overweening
- positive
- presumptuous
- self-confident
- smart aleck
- smart guy
- smarty
- smarty pants
- sure
- swaggering
- swollen-headed
- vain
- wise guy
Roget’s 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
as in know-all
informal + disapproving
a person who talks and behaves like someone who knows everything
My neighbor is a real know-it-all, always telling me what to do.
Thesaurus Entries Near know-it-all
Cite this Entry
“Know-it-all.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/know-it-all. Accessed 14 Apr. 2023.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
What is another word for Know-it-all?
-
know-all
-
wise guy
good, one who claims full knowledge
-
smarty
good
-
smarty-pants
good, one who claims full knowledge
-
smart aleck
one who claims full knowledge, good
-
wiseacre
one who claims full knowledge, good
-
wisenheimer
-
braggart
boaster, one who claims full knowledge
-
smart-ass
-
windbag
braggart, boaster
-
conceited
arrogant
-
pretentious
arrogant
-
egotist
smart aleck
-
egotistical
arrogant
-
show-off
arrogant, braggart
-
boastful
arrogant
-
malapert
-
witling
-
boaster
braggart
-
wiseass
-
cocky
-
brain
-
swellhead
-
pedagogue
pedant
-
self-important
-
biggety
-
puffed up
-
arrogant
-
intellectual
-
wisecracker
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Synonyms for Know-it-all. (2016). Retrieved 2023, April 12, from https://thesaurus.plus/synonyms/know-it-all
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Synonyms for Know-it-all. 2016. Accessed April 12, 2023. https://thesaurus.plus/synonyms/know-it-all.
Is there a word for a person who believes themselves to be smarter than others, but frequently betrays that the opposite is true. For example, when dumb-shaming someone, this person uses their big words incorrectly, but confidently. Know-it all isn’t quite right, because there’s a chance a know-it-all might actually know quite a lot.
asked Oct 20, 2019 at 22:30
0
egotist noun. TFD
A conceited, boastful person.
An egotist is a self-absorbed, bragging person. From Latin: ego = I.
As in:
Toby, vigilant about his diet and insecure about his height, is
persuasive as a well-meaning egotist. The New YorkerJun 27, 2019
answered Oct 21, 2019 at 0:07
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Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Wikipedia.
know it all
To seem or affect to know everything about any given topic, and to make an irritating point of demonstrating that knowledge to others. Jim’s new boyfriend always acts like he knows it all. I can’t stand having a conversation with him about anything!
know-it-all
A person who seems or affects to know everything about any given topic, and who makes an irritating point of demonstrating their knowledge to others. Jim’s new boyfriend is such a know-it-all. I can’t stand having a conversation with him about anything! There is nothing more annoying than working with a know-it-all who constantly tries to outdo everyone else.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
know-it-all
n. someone who gives the impression of knowing everything. Pete is such a know-it-all!
McGraw-Hill’s Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
- know it all
- be too clever by half
- have hung up and salted
- munch
- be on (one’s) nerves
- needle (one) about (something)
- needle about
- on a (subject or activity) kick
- a pain in the neck
What is another word for know-it-all?
284 synonyms found
Pronunciation:
[ nˈə͡ʊɪtˈɔːl], [ nˈəʊɪtˈɔːl], [ n_ˈəʊ_ɪ_t_ˈɔː_l]
Related words: know you know, what you know, know-everything
Related questions:
Table of Contents
-
adj.
• arrogant (adjective)
- more know-it-all,
- more swaggering,
- know it all,
- high mighty,
- more cold shoulder,
- in solent,
- most know-it-all,
- most cold-shoulder,
- pre sumptuous,
- more biggety,
- most bragging,
- pre-sumptuous,
- Over-bearing,
- most biggety,
- more bragging,
- more coldshoulder,
- smartier,
- most cold shoulder,
- most coldshoulder,
- smartiest,
- high handed,
- most know it all,
- more know it all,
- sniffier,
- more cold-shoulder,
- over bearing,
- in-solent,
- sniffiest,
- most swaggering.
• boastful (adjective)
- Strutting,
- on ego trip,
- self-aggrandizing,
- hot stuff,
- big-headed,
- too big for one’s britches,
- loudmouth,
- self-applauding,
- swollen-headed,
- smart alecky,
- hifalutin,
- exultant,
- full of hot air.
• cocky (adjective)
- most hotdogger,
- more hotdogger.
• cocky/cocksure (adjective)
- most hotdogging,
- more hubristic,
- over weening,
- over-weening,
- more hotshot,
- most hotshot,
- over confident,
- most hubristic,
- more hotdogging.
• conceited (adjective)
- hamest,
- most conceity,
- more conceity,
- gallest,
- big talking,
- hamer.
• egotistical (adjective)
- conceited.
• intellectual (adjective)
- pundit.
• Other relevant words: (adjective)
- self-centered,
- on an ego trip,
- puffed up,
- snootiest,
- superior,
- arrogant,
- self-confident,
- self-important,
- peremptory,
- inward-looking,
- pretentious,
- boastful,
- egomaniacal,
- wrapped up with oneself,
- highhanded,
- overweening,
- snotty,
- having a swelled head,
- smart guy,
- uppity,
- Self-interested,
- galler,
- hubristic,
- conceity,
- sniffy,
- stuck up,
- stuck on oneself,
- cold-shoulder,
- coldshoulder,
- hotdogging,
- insolent,
- biggety,
- high-handed,
- prideful,
- over-confident,
- hotdogger.
• prideful (adjective)
- on one’s high horse,
- on high horse.
• self-centered (adjective)
- most inwardlooking,
- stuck oneself,
- more inward-looking,
- self involved,
- more inward looking,
- more selfinterested,
- self seeking,
- self serving,
- more inwardlooking,
- selfindulgent,
- selfcentered,
- inwardlooking,
- selfinterested,
- self indulgent,
- most selfinterested,
- in-dependent,
- selfabsorbed,
- more self interested,
- most grandstanding,
- self sufficient,
- inward looking,
- grand standing,
- self interested,
- self absorbed,
- most self-interested,
- more self-interested,
- most inward-looking,
- grand-standing,
- self centered,
- selfseeking,
- having swelled head,
- selfinvolved,
- in dependent,
- selfserving,
- wrapped with oneself,
- most inward looking,
- more grandstanding,
- most self interested,
- selfsufficient.
• self-confident (adjective)
- sure of oneself,
- hotdog,
- Undoubtful.
• self-important (adjective)
- selfimportant,
- self important.
• snotty (adjective)
- snobby,
- highfalutin’,
- highfalutin,
- la-de-da,
- snobbiest.
• uppity (adjective)
- up-pity,
- high falutin,
- up pity.
-
n.
-
•
- prima donna,
- prig,
- extrovert,
- good,
- individualist,
- Malapert,
- God’s gift,
- upstart,
- snob,
- tin god.
-
•
- pedagogue.
• bigmouth (noun)
- bull thrower,
- bull artists,
- show offs,
- bag wind,
- big talkers,
- bullthrower,
- bullthrowers,
- bull-throwers,
- bull throwers,
- grandstanders.
• braggart (noun)
- blower,
- narcissist,
- swaggerer,
- bluffer.
• egghead (noun)
- longhairs,
- egghead.
• know-all (noun)
- know-all.
• learned person (noun)
- walking encyclopedia,
- bibliophiles,
- man or woman of letters,
- bibliophile,
- Bookman,
- bookwoman,
- man or woman of learning,
- erudite person,
- Bookmen.
• Other relevant words: (noun)
- Saucebox,
- show-off,
- bull artist,
- bigmouth,
- wise-ass,
- motormouth,
- Witling,
- wiseacres,
- pedant,
- wiseass,
- wisenheimer,
- blusterers,
- smartypants,
- windbag,
- egoist,
- bull-thrower,
- jabberer,
- bluestocking,
- smart ass,
- bighead,
- show-offs,
- grandstander,
- bag of wind,
- learned person,
- gossiper,
- motor-mouth,
- thinker,
- bluestockings,
- blusterer,
- witlings,
- boaster,
- longhair,
- wiseacre,
- trumpeter,
- blabberer,
- smart aleck,
- trumpeters,
- big talker,
- swellhead,
- smarty pants,
- braggart,
- wise guy,
- gasbags,
- gasbag,
- egotist,
- jabberers.
• pedagogue (noun)
- sophists,
- sophist.
• saucebox (noun)
- malaperts.
• smart-aleck (noun)
- wisenheimers,
- smart asses,
- smartaleck.
• smart aleck (noun)
- smartass.
• windbag (noun)
- motor mouths,
- motor-mouths,
- blabberers,
- motor mouth,
- motormouths.
• wise-ass (noun)
- wise ass.
• wise guy (noun)
- member of the family,
- mafioso,
- Mafiosi.
-
Other synonyms:
-
•
- smarty-pants,
- wisecracker,
- smarty.
-
•
- egotistic.
• Other relevant words (noun):
- perky,
- perk,
- brain,
- SMARTIE,
- self-opinionated,
- narcist,
- peacockish,
- egotistical,
- peacocky,
- smart alec,
- narcissus,
- smart-ass,
- stuck-up,
- smart-alecky,
- self-conceited,
- clever dick,
- pert,
- intellectual,
- wisdom,
- chesty,
- Overwise,
- cocky,
- egocentric,
- swelled-headed,
- busybody,
- aggressively self-confident,
- vaunter,
- bumptious,
- obtrusive,
- immodest.
How to use «Know-it-all» in context?
There is no doubt that some people are just naturally «know-it-alls». For these people, learning isn’t a struggle — it’s a natural extension of who they are. While this can be a great thing for some, it can be frustrating for others. For those of us who are struggling to learn new things, know-it-alls can be a real challenge.
There are many reasons why know-it-alls can be so difficult to deal with. First of all, they seem to think they know everything — which can be intimidating to others.
Word of the Day
Omophagic
- Synonyms:
-
herbivorous,
omnivorous.
Nearby words
- know whats going on
- know whats what
- know-all
- know-how
- know-it all
- Know-it-all
- K
- k advice
- k particle
- k ration
- k the opinion of
Resources
- KNOW-IT-ALL synonyms at Thesaurus.com
- KNOW-IT-ALL synonyms and antonyms — Merriam-Webster dictionary
-
Powerthesaurus.org
— KNOW-IT-ALL synonyms - Collins Dictionary — synonyms of KNOW-IT-ALL
-
YourDictionary
— another words for KNOW-IT-ALL
Know-it-all Past Tense
The past tense of Know-it-all is knew-it-all.
1. know-it-all
noun. someone who thinks he knows everything and refuses to accept advice or information from others.
Synonyms
- egoist
- swellhead
- egotist
Rhymes with Know It All
- montreal
- senegal
- peterpaul
- luminol
- forestall
- vantol
- vanhall
- vandall
- mcphaul
- mcnall
- mcfaul
- mcfall
- install
- enthral
- baseball
- squall
- sprawl
- scrawl
- sabol
- recall
- nepal
- metall
- mehall
- mccaul
- mccall
- fairall
- engwall
- edsall
- depaul
- befall
2. know
verb. [‘ˈnoʊ’] be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about.
Synonyms
- cognize
- keep track
- cognise
- realise
- recognize
- agnise
- realize
- recognise
Antonyms
- ignore
- stay in place
- open
- abstain
Etymology
- knowen (Middle English (1100-1500))
- cnawan (Old English (ca. 450-1100))
3. know
verb. [‘ˈnoʊ’] know how to do or perform something.
Synonyms
- control
- know what’s going on
- master
- get the hang
- be with it
- know the score
- know what’s what
Antonyms
- be well
- divide
- disarrange
- detach
Etymology
- knowen (Middle English (1100-1500))
- cnawan (Old English (ca. 450-1100))
4. know
verb. [‘ˈnoʊ’] be aware of the truth of something; have a belief or faith in something; regard as true beyond any doubt.
Synonyms
- cognise
- foresee
- foreknow
- previse
- anticipate
Antonyms
- lose
- dissuade
- dishonor
- refuse
Etymology
- knowen (Middle English (1100-1500))
- cnawan (Old English (ca. 450-1100))
5. know
verb. [‘ˈnoʊ’] have firsthand knowledge of states, situations, emotions, or sensations.
Synonyms
- go through
- experience
- see
- taste
- relive
- live over
Antonyms
- get up
- turn out
- malevolence
- hate
Etymology
- knowen (Middle English (1100-1500))
- cnawan (Old English (ca. 450-1100))
6. know
verb. [‘ˈnoʊ’] accept (someone) to be what is claimed or accept his power and authority.
Synonyms
- recognize
- acknowledge
- recognise
Antonyms
- disjoin
- wife
- husband
- miss
Etymology
- knowen (Middle English (1100-1500))
- cnawan (Old English (ca. 450-1100))
7. know
verb. [‘ˈnoʊ’] have fixed in the mind.
Antonyms
- natural elevation
Etymology
- knowen (Middle English (1100-1500))
- cnawan (Old English (ca. 450-1100))
8. all
adjective. [‘ˈɔl’] quantifier; used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class.
Synonyms
- every
- every last
Antonyms
- some
- artifact
- fractional
9. all
adverb. [‘ˈɔl’] to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (whole' is often used informally forwholly’).
Synonyms
- entirely
- whole
- completely
- totally
- wholly
Antonyms
- misconception
- injured
- diversified
- unhealthy
10. all
adjective. [‘ˈɔl’] completely given to or absorbed by.
Antonyms
- natural object