well-read vs knowing

well-read is not a noun while knowing is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
well-read	No	Yes	No	No
knowing	Yes	Yes	No	No

As adjectives, well-read and knowing are synonyms defined as:

well-read and knowing: highly educated; having extensive information or understanding

Other synonyms of well-read include knowledgeable, learned, lettered, well-educated.

well-read (noun)	knowing (noun)
	a clear and certain mental apprehension

well-read (adjective)	knowing (adjective)
highly educated; having extensive information or understanding	highly educated; having extensive information or understanding
well informed or deeply versed through reading	evidencing the possession of inside information
	characterized by conscious design or purpose
	alert and fully informed