password
11 synonyms and 0 antonyms for password, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A secret word or string of characters used to prove identity and gain access to a place, system, or account.
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.
How to use password
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From pass and word — originally the secret word a sentry required before letting someone through, long before it referred to computer logins.
Full origin of password →Frequently asked questions
What does “password” mean?
The word “password” means a secret word or string of characters used to prove identity and gain access to a place, system, or account. In plain terms, a secret code used to prove you're allowed in, whether guarding a door or a computer account.
How do you pronounce “password”?
“Password” is pronounced PAS-wurrd (/ˈpæs.wɜɹd/ in IPA).
How do you use “password” in a sentence?
Here is “password” used in a sentence: “Make sure your password includes a number and a symbol.”
What is another word for “password”?
Words with a similar meaning to “password” include passcode, keyword, abbreviations: pw, pwd, pword and pass.
What part of speech is “password”?
“Password” is a noun.
Is “password” a common word?
“Password” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a password and a passcode?
A password is a secret word or string of characters — usually letters, numbers, and symbols — used to prove identity and gain access to a system or account. A passcode is typically a shorter, numbers-only code, such as the four- or six-digit code that unlocks a phone. In practice the terms overlap, but passcode usually implies digits.
What is the difference between a password and a passphrase?
A passphrase is a longer password made of a sequence of words, such as several unrelated words strung together. Because length adds strength, passphrases are generally harder to crack than short passwords while remaining easier for people to remember.
Is password one word or two?
Password is written as one word in standard English. The two-word form 'pass word' is not standard today, and the compound also appears in derived terms like password manager and password reset.
What makes a strong password?
A strong password is long — commonly twelve characters or more — and mixes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols while avoiding names, dictionary words, and personal details like birthdays. Security guidance also stresses using a different password for every account, since reuse lets one leaked password unlock many services.