odyssey
4 synonyms for odyssey, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A long, eventful journey, especially one full of challenges.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use odyssey
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
an epic odyssey
a personal odyssey
go on an odyssey
Etymology
From the Odyssey, the ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer describing the hero Odysseus's long voyage home from Troy.
Full origin of odyssey →Frequently asked questions
What does “odyssey” mean?
The word “odyssey” means a long, eventful journey, especially one full of challenges. In plain terms, a long, difficult journey or quest — physical or personal.
How do you pronounce “odyssey”?
“Odyssey” is pronounced OD-ih-see (/ˈɑ.dɪ.si/ in IPA).
How do you use “odyssey” in a sentence?
Here is “odyssey” used in a sentence: “Their road trip across three continents became a two-year odyssey.”
What part of speech is “odyssey”?
“Odyssey” is a noun.
Where does the word “odyssey” come from?
The word “odyssey” comes from Ancient Greek. From the Odyssey, the ancient Greek epic poem attributed to Homer describing the hero Odysseus's long voyage home from Troy.
Is “odyssey” a common word?
“Odyssey” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “odyssey” have?
“Odyssey” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long, eventful journey, especially one full of challenges.
What is the difference between an odyssey and a journey?
A journey simply refers to traveling from one place to another, while an odyssey specifically implies a long, eventful trip full of challenges and obstacles. Not every journey qualifies as an odyssey, but every odyssey is a kind of demanding, extended journey.
Can odyssey refer to something other than physical travel?
Yes, odyssey is often used to describe a prolonged search or personal journey that is intellectual or spiritual rather than physical, such as 'her odyssey of self-discovery.' This figurative use keeps the sense of a long, challenging process.
Why is odyssey associated with hardship?
Odyssey carries a strong connotation of difficulty and endurance, describing journeys marked by significant challenges rather than routine travel. This is why the word is reserved for especially demanding or eventful experiences rather than ordinary trips.
