communication
8 synonyms and 1 antonyms for communication, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of sharing or exchanging information, ideas, or feelings.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use communication
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin communicatio ("imparting, sharing"), from communicare ("to make common, to share").
Full origin of communication →Frequently asked questions
What does “communication” mean?
The word “communication” means the act of sharing or exchanging information, ideas, or feelings. In plain terms, the process of exchanging information — or a specific message that gets sent.
How do you pronounce “communication”?
“Communication” is pronounced kuh-myoo-nih-KAY-shuhn (/kəˌmju.nɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “communication” in a sentence?
Here is “communication” used in a sentence: “Clear communication is essential in any relationship.”
What is the opposite of “communication”?
The opposite of “communication” — its antonyms — is anticommunication.
What part of speech is “communication”?
“Communication” is a noun.
Where does the word “communication” come from?
The word “communication” comes from Latin. From Latin communicatio ("imparting, sharing"), from communicare ("to make common, to share").
Is “communication” a common word?
“Communication” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “communication” have?
“Communication” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of sharing or exchanging information, ideas, or feelings.
What are the main types of communication?
Communication generally falls into four types: verbal (spoken words), nonverbal (body language, gestures, and facial expressions), written (letters, texts, and emails), and visual (images, charts, and signs). Most real exchanges blend several at once — a conversation, for instance, combines spoken words with tone of voice and expression.
What is the difference between communication and conversation?
A conversation is one specific form of communication — a live, back-and-forth exchange of spoken words between people. Communication is the far broader term, covering every way information passes between senders and receivers: writing, gestures, images, signals, and more. Every conversation is communication, but most communication is not conversation.
Why is communication important?
Communication is how people share knowledge, coordinate action, and build relationships. Without it, ideas stay trapped in one mind and misunderstandings multiply. Clear communication prevents errors at work, resolves conflict, and lets groups cooperate toward shared goals. It underpins nearly every human activity, from teamwork and teaching to friendship and trade.
Can communication skills be learned?
Yes. While some people are naturally outgoing, communication is a skill anyone can develop with practice. Active listening, clear phrasing, reading body language, and adjusting your message to your audience all improve over time. Coaching, feedback, and simply speaking and writing more regularly are proven ways to become a stronger communicator.