ac·a·dem·ic
ˌa-kə-ˈde-mik 
variants
or less commonly academical
1
a
: of, relating to, or associated with an academy or school especially of higher learning
the academic curriculum
academic courses
b
: of or relating to performance in courses of study
academic excellence
academic achievements
c
: very learned but inexperienced in practical matters
academic thinkers
d
: based on formal study especially at an institution of higher learning
her academic qualifications
2
: of or relating to literary or artistic rather than technical or professional studies
a region that has both academic and vocational high schools
3
a
: theoretical, speculative
a purely academic question
b
: having no practical or useful significance
4
: conforming to the traditions or rules of a school (as of literature or art) or an official academy : conventional
academic painting
1
a
: a member (such as a professor) of an institution of learning (such as a university)
Both of her parents are academics.
b
: a person who is academic in background, outlook, or methods
2
academics plural, chiefly US
: academic subjects : courses of study taken at a school or college
He has no interest in academics.
Synonyms
Examples of academic in a Sentence
Adjective
She received awards for her academic achievements.
I spent my academic career at one school.
The board set tough academic standards for graduation.
He was offered a teaching job and decided to return to academic life.
His interest in sailing is purely academic. He's not a sailor himself.
He's not very academic, but he's good with his hands.
Noun
The book appeals to academics and to the general public.
He only cares about sports. He has no interest in academics.
Recent Examples on the Web
Patrick Smith, NBC News, 26 Apr. 2024
Protesters called on the university to — among other demands — divest from companies that profit from or engage in Israel's war effort and refrain from associating with Israeli academic institutions and businesses, according to The Daily Princetonian.
—Ayana Archie, NPR, 25 Apr. 2024
Overall academic benchmarks have lagged behind state standards.
—Bill Lukitsch, Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 2024
In addition to divestment, the demands included support for an academic boycott that would sever ties and collaboration with Israeli universities.
—Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024
District data shows that students who used the program at all averaged a year’s worth of academic growth in a school year.
—Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2024
In addition to divestment, protesters across the U.S. are calling for a cease-fire and student governments at some colleges have also passed resolutions in recent weeks calling for an end to academic partnerships with Israel.
—Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2024
His mother and father have emphasized the importance of academic success, in addition to football success.
—Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 24 Apr. 2024
The Arabic words recited by observant Muslims reverberated off the historic academic buildings as Palestinian flags tied to flagpoles fluttered in the wind.
—Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 23 Apr. 2024
Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2024
Although Bayard’s credentials as a reader and academic are serious, his book is delightfully mischievous and funny.
—Vogue, 25 Apr. 2024
It’s become an issue of free speech, as academics have become involved.
—Chloe Berger, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2024
Dawne prioritizes her son's academics and athletic career Harrison Jr. has opened up about his mom's support, both on and off the field.
—Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 24 Apr. 2024
Schools across the state are considering stricter cellphone policies in response to growing research that shows the devices negatively impact students' mental health, academics and social behavior.
—The Enquirer, 21 Apr. 2024
The awards were presented to senior, female student-athletes who display excellence in athletics and academics.
—Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2024
The academic spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive deliberations in Moscow.
—Catherine Belton, Washington Post, 17 Apr. 2024
Beyond academics, Riley's involvement in extracurricular activities, including soccer and student government, showcases her well-rounded character and exceptional time-management skills.
—Marcus Reichley, The Arizona Republic, 8 Apr. 2024
Adjective
The protest outside Doheny Memorial Library and in the center of academic buildings have been attended by many people who are not associated with USC, according to a letter to the USC community from Andrew T. Guzman, the university's provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.
—Patrick Smith, NBC News, 26 Apr. 2024
Protesters called on the university to — among other demands — divest from companies that profit from or engage in Israel's war effort and refrain from associating with Israeli academic institutions and businesses, according to The Daily Princetonian.
—Ayana Archie, NPR, 25 Apr. 2024
Overall academic benchmarks have lagged behind state standards.
—Bill Lukitsch, Kansas City Star, 25 Apr. 2024
In addition to divestment, the demands included support for an academic boycott that would sever ties and collaboration with Israeli universities.
—Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024
District data shows that students who used the program at all averaged a year’s worth of academic growth in a school year.
—Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2024
In addition to divestment, protesters across the U.S. are calling for a cease-fire and student governments at some colleges have also passed resolutions in recent weeks calling for an end to academic partnerships with Israel.
—Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2024
His mother and father have emphasized the importance of academic success, in addition to football success.
—Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 24 Apr. 2024
The Arabic words recited by observant Muslims reverberated off the historic academic buildings as Palestinian flags tied to flagpoles fluttered in the wind.
—Niraj Warikoo, Detroit Free Press, 23 Apr. 2024
Noun
However, academics said attempts to spread information by Chinese actors are probably more geared toward sowing doubt in democracy and America rather than directly targeting Trump or Biden.
—Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2024
Although Bayard’s credentials as a reader and academic are serious, his book is delightfully mischievous and funny.
—Vogue, 25 Apr. 2024
It’s become an issue of free speech, as academics have become involved.
—Chloe Berger, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2024
Dawne prioritizes her son's academics and athletic career Harrison Jr. has opened up about his mom's support, both on and off the field.
—Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 24 Apr. 2024
Schools across the state are considering stricter cellphone policies in response to growing research that shows the devices negatively impact students' mental health, academics and social behavior.
—The Enquirer, 21 Apr. 2024
The awards were presented to senior, female student-athletes who display excellence in athletics and academics.
—Pioneer Press, Twin Cities, 19 Apr. 2024
The academic spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive deliberations in Moscow.
—Catherine Belton, Washington Post, 17 Apr. 2024
Beyond academics, Riley's involvement in extracurricular activities, including soccer and student government, showcases her well-rounded character and exceptional time-management skills.
—Marcus Reichley, The Arizona Republic, 8 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'academic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near academic
Cite this Entry
“Academic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/academic. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024.
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