Synonyms for

Encyclopedia

Verb / ɪˌnsaɪklʌˈpi:di:ʌ / / ɪˌnsaɪkləʊˈpi:di:ʌ / Another word for encyclopedia — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A book or set of books giving information on many subjects or on a particular subject, often arranged alphabetically.

Synonyms & similar words

cyclopedia cyclopaedia encyclopaedia dictionary lexicon glossary thesaurus vocabulary wordbook atlas almanac manual handbook guidebook directory catalogue compilation compendium cyclopedia magazine journal periodical

Synonyms by register

Formal

compendium reference work treatise manual

Informal

info dump knowledge base guidebook

Literary

repository of knowledge storehouse of learning

Antonyms

ignorance misinformation obscurity lack of knowledge uninformedness

Common collocations

  • online encyclopedia
  • print encyclopedia
  • encyclopedia britannica
  • search the encyclopedia
  • consult an encyclopedia
  • comprehensive encyclopedia
  • digital encyclopedia

Word family

noun encyclopedia
adjective encyclopedic

Usage note

An encyclopedia is a comprehensive reference work containing articles on a wide range of subjects or on numerous aspects of a particular field. It is typically arranged alphabetically.

Example sentences

  1. I looked up the meaning of the word in the encyclopedia.
  2. The encyclopedia had information on every country in the world.
  3. The encyclopedia was too heavy to carry around.
  4. The library had a set of encyclopedias that I could use.
  5. The encyclopedia was published in several volumes.

Quotes

  • The only true encyclopedia is the one which contains everything. This, however, is practically impossible.
  • An encyclopedia is a system for collecting dust in alphabetical order.
  • The mind of a bigot is like the pupil of the eye; the more light you pour upon it, the more it will contract.

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