17 Other Ways to Say KNOW IT ALL | Synonyms with Examples

We all know someone who seems to have an answer for everything. Words like smarty, brainiac, or wise guy come to mind. Each of these carries its own vibe and can fit different situations. Some are playful, while others hint at annoyance. In this article, we'll dive into 17 synonyms for know it all and explore how to use them in everyday chat.

17 Different Ways to Say KNOW IT ALL: Another Word for Know It All

Smarty

A smarty is someone who always tries to show off how smart they are. It’s a fun, light-hearted way to call someone clever but maybe a bit too proud of it. You might use it with friends when teasing them about always having the answers. It carries less sting than calling someone a know it all. Smarty works well in casual chats and adds a playful tone to your comment.

Don't be such a smarty; let someone else answer for once.
He acted like a smarty during the whole meeting, correcting everyone.
My little sister is a smarty when it comes to math puzzles.

Also Read: 16 Other Ways to Say MYTH | Myth Synonyms (Examples)

Brainiac

Brainiac is perfect for someone who's super smart and often knows more than the rest. It can sound admiring or teasing depending on how you say it. People usually call someone a brainiac if they love learning and remembering random facts. It's great for nerdy friends or anyone who's always showing off their knowledge.

She's a brainiac when it comes to science experiments.
Don't ask him trivia questions; he's a total brainiac.
That brainiac just solved the puzzle in under a minute.

Wise Guy

A wise guy is someone who acts clever but sometimes annoys others with it. It can feel playful or sarcastic, depending on your tone. Often used with friends or coworkers, this term hints that the person thinks they know it all but might be slightly overconfident. It's not too harsh, making it useful in everyday banter.

Stop being a wise guy and just answer the question.
That wise guy keeps giving advice nobody asked for.
I can't believe the wise guy corrected my spelling again.

Egghead

Egghead is a classic term for someone who's really intellectual. It usually suggests someone spends a lot of time studying or reading, maybe more than doing practical stuff. It can be affectionate or teasing. Egghead captures that know it all vibe in a funny, slightly nerdy way.

The egghead in our class solved the puzzle instantly.
Don't ask the egghead; he'll overthink it.
My egghead cousin knows facts about everything.

Bookworm

Bookworm works for someone who's smart because they read a lot. They might not always act like a know it all, but their knowledge can surprise you. It's gentle and kind, often affectionate. It highlights someone's love for learning instead of showing off.

She's a bookworm and always shares interesting facts.
That bookworm just read five books in a week.
I asked the bookworm for advice, and he had the perfect answer.

Know-it-all

The classic term, know it all, is used for someone who thinks they have all the answers. It can sound harsh if you're annoyed, or funny if you're joking. This is the most direct way to describe someone constantly correcting or instructing others. Perfect for everyday situations when you want to point it out clearly.

Stop acting like a know-it-all during dinner.
That know-it-all keeps interrupting everyone.
I can't stand the know-it-all in my office.

Intellectual

Intellectual is a polite, neutral way to describe someone very smart. Unlike know it all, it doesn't have a negative vibe. It suggests deep thinking, curiosity, and a love of knowledge. This word is useful in professional or respectful conversations about smart people.

She's an intellectual who loves discussing philosophy.
His intellectual approach impressed the whole team.
The intellectual explained the theory clearly to everyone.

Wiseacre

Wiseacre is similar to wise guy but can feel slightly cheeky or sarcastic. It's great for someone who gives advice or clever comments all the time. It's playful, like teasing a friend who thinks they know it all but isn't being rude. You can use it in informal chats without hurting feelings too much.

That wiseacre corrected my pronunciation again.
Don't be a wiseacre, just listen for once.
The wiseacre thinks he knows the answer to everything.

Pedant

Pedant is someone obsessed with rules or details, often showing off their knowledge. It's closer to know it all in a negative way, because it implies annoyance. Use it when someone points out tiny mistakes or acts smarter than others. It's a sharper, more precise label than some playful synonyms.

That pedant keeps correcting my grammar.
I can't enjoy the story because the pedant comments on everything.
The pedant explained the rule even though it wasn't important.

Expert

Expert is a neutral, respectful synonym for know it all. It implies real skill and deep knowledge, not just bragging. You can call someone an expert in professional or casual settings. It's useful when you want to admire someone's abilities without teasing.

He's an expert at solving tricky problems.
The expert guided us through the project smoothly.
You should ask the expert for advice on that topic.

Specialist

Specialist focuses on someone's deep knowledge in a specific area. Unlike know it all, it doesn't suggest arrogance. It works well in professional or casual chats when someone really knows their stuff. Specialists are trusted for their detailed understanding, making this term more flattering.

She's a specialist in digital marketing strategies.
The specialist quickly fixed the issue.
Ask the specialist for tips on improving your skills.

Guru

Guru is a fun way to call someone a master in a subject. It's often playful and can hint at a know it all without being harsh. Perfect for friends or colleagues who always seem to have the right advice or tips. It adds a positive, almost spiritual flair to describing someone's knowledge.

He's a coding guru who helps everyone.
That guru always knows the best travel spots.
I asked the yoga guru for some tips.

Maven

Maven is for someone who's an expert or connoisseur in a specific field. It's stylish and friendly, implying admiration rather than irritation. Mavens share knowledge enthusiastically and are usually respected for it. This makes it a positive alternative to know it all.

She's a fashion maven everyone listens to.
That maven knows all the local coffee shops.
The wine maven recommended a perfect bottle.

Buff

Buff is casual slang for someone very knowledgeable about a topic. Often used for hobbies, movies, or sports. It's friendly and less formal than expert or specialist. A buff is curious, enthusiastic, and usually willing to share knowledge, making it a lighter version of know it all.

He's a movie buff and knows every classic film.
The history buff explained the battle in detail.
I asked the sports buff for advice on baseball.

Whiz

Whiz is a playful term for someone very talented or smart in a field. It suggests quick thinking and skill. Like know it all, it implies someone's always ahead in knowledge, but it feels positive and fun. You can use it to admire or lightly tease someone who's clever.

She's a math whiz who solves problems fast.
The coding whiz fixed the bug instantly.
That whiz always surprises everyone with ideas.

Genius

Genius is strong praise for someone extremely intelligent. Unlike know it all, it usually implies real talent rather than arrogance. Calling someone a genius shows admiration and amazement. It works in casual or formal situations and emphasizes true smarts instead of just showing off.

He's a genius when it comes to chess.
The genius invented a new way to solve the problem.
I can't believe the genius figured it out so fast.

Scholar

Scholar is a respectful term for someone well-educated and thoughtful. It conveys admiration for knowledge and study rather than irritation. Scholars often know a lot but in a humble way. This makes it a classy alternative to calling someone a know it all.

She's a scholar who always reads deeply.
The scholar shared insights that amazed everyone.
That scholar explained the topic clearly to all of us.

Synonym	Example
Smarty	Don't be such a smarty; let someone else answer.
Brainiac	She's a brainiac when it comes to science.
Wise Guy	Stop being a wise guy and just answer the question.
Egghead	The egghead in our class solved the puzzle instantly.
Bookworm	She's a bookworm and always shares interesting facts.
Know-it-all	Stop acting like a know-it-all during dinner.
Intellectual	She's an intellectual who loves discussing philosophy.
Wiseacre	That wiseacre corrected my pronunciation again.
Pedant	That pedant keeps correcting my grammar.
Expert	He's an expert at solving tricky problems.
Specialist	She's a specialist in digital marketing strategies.
Guru	He's a coding guru who helps everyone.
Maven	She's a fashion maven everyone listens to.
Buff	He's a movie buff and knows every classic film.
Whiz	She's a math whiz who solves problems fast.
Genius	He's a genius when it comes to chess.
Scholar	She's a scholar who always reads deeply.

Final Thoughts

I hope this list of 17 synonyms for know it all helps you find the right word in any situation. Some are playful, some are admiring, and some more precise. Next time someone seems to have all the answers, you'll know exactly how to describe them. Using the right synonym can make your chat sound casual, fun, or respectful. It's all about choosing the tone you want. Words are powerful, so pick wisely!