encyclopedic
adjective
en·cy·clo·pe·dic
in-ˌsī-klə-ˈpē-dik 
: of, relating to, or suggestive of an encyclopedia or its methods of treating or covering a subject : comprehensive
an encyclopedic mind
an encyclopedic collection of armor
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In Greek, paidaea meant not simply "child-rearing" but also "education", and kyklios meant "general;" thus, an encyclopedia is a work broad enough to provide a kind of general education. The world's most eminent general encyclopedia, the Encyclopaedia Britannica, is a huge work that covers every field of human knowledge. But encyclopedic doesn't have to refer to books; it's often used to describe the wide-ranging knowledge that certain types of minds just can't stop acquiring.
Examples of encyclopedic in a Sentence
She published an encyclopedic study of ancient Egypt.
The event was described in encyclopedic detail.
his almost encyclopedic knowledge of movies
Recent Examples on the Web
While public institutions can sometimes be scientific, encyclopedic, even cold in their faithfulness to detail, private institutions often have more freedom to take an aesthetic and dynamic approach, and have proven their legitimacy, Simode adds.
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CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
Selecting the watches demanded diplomacy and an encyclopedic knowledge of horology.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025
This encyclopedic novel touches on several philosophical themes, not the least of which is questioning the nature of reality.
—Big Think, 14 Oct. 2025
Told through the lens of a life spent on and off the court — from Harlem playgrounds to hip-hop stages — the book blends nostalgia, humor and encyclopedic knowledge to unpack the language, rhythm and soul of the game.
—Ana Cristina Frías Cabrera, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025
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CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
Selecting the watches demanded diplomacy and an encyclopedic knowledge of horology.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025
This encyclopedic novel touches on several philosophical themes, not the least of which is questioning the nature of reality.
—Big Think, 14 Oct. 2025
Told through the lens of a life spent on and off the court — from Harlem playgrounds to hip-hop stages — the book blends nostalgia, humor and encyclopedic knowledge to unpack the language, rhythm and soul of the game.
—Ana Cristina Frías Cabrera, USA Today, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for encyclopedic
Cite this Entry
“Encyclopedic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encyclopedic. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.
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