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nickname

16 synonyms for nickname, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — An informal, often affectionate or descriptive name used instead of someone's real name.

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.

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

An informal, often affectionate or descriptive name used instead of someone's real name.

“Everyone at the club uses her nickname instead of her full name.”

2. verb

To give someone or something a nickname.

“The kids nickname every teacher in the first week of term.”

dub

How to use nickname

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

go by the nickname earn a nickname nicknamed after

Etymology

From Middle English an ekename ("an additional name"), which was misheard and re-divided as "a nekename" — the same kind of slip that gave us "an apron" from "a napron".

Full origin of nickname →

Frequently asked questions

What does “nickname” mean?
The word “nickname” means an informal, often affectionate or descriptive name used instead of someone's real name. In plain terms, a casual alternative name for someone or something, usually based on a trait or joke.
How do you pronounce “nickname”?
“Nickname” is pronounced NIHK-naym (/ˈnɪkneɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “nickname” in a sentence?
Here is “nickname” used in a sentence: “His nickname at school was "Ginger" because of his hair.”
What is another word for “nickname”?
Words with a similar meaning to “nickname” include byname, moniker, nick, to-name, sobriquet and handle.
What part of speech is “nickname”?
Depending on how it is used, “nickname” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “nickname” come from?
The word “nickname” comes from Middle English. From Middle English an ekename ("an additional name"), which was misheard and re-divided as "a nekename" — the same kind of slip that gave us "an apron" from "a napron".
Is “nickname” a common word?
“Nickname” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “nickname” have?
“Nickname” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an informal, often affectionate or descriptive name used instead of someone's real name.
What is the difference between a nickname and a pseudonym?
A "nickname" is an informal name used alongside someone's real name, often affectionate or descriptive. A "pseudonym" is a false name chosen to conceal a person's true identity, such as a pen name used by an author. A nickname adds to the real name, while a pseudonym replaces and hides it.
What is the difference between a nickname and a surname?
A "surname" is a person's official family name, shared with relatives and used in legal records. A "nickname" is an informal, unofficial name used instead of a real name. A surname is fixed and formal, whereas a nickname is casual and often given by others.
What is the difference between a nickname and a pet name?
Both are affectionate, informal names, but a "pet name" is usually private and used between close friends, family, or partners. A "nickname" is broader and may be used publicly, including by acquaintances or the wider community.

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Synonyms and antonyms from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA.