physician
13 synonyms and 0 antonyms for physician, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A medical doctor, especially one who treats illness with medicine and diagnosis rather than surgery.
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 physician
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French fisicien, from fisique ("the art of healing"), ultimately from Greek phusike ("knowledge of nature").
Full origin of physician →Frequently asked questions
What does “physician” mean?
The word “physician” means a medical doctor, especially one who treats illness with medicine and diagnosis rather than surgery. In plain terms, a qualified doctor, especially one focused on diagnosis and medicine rather than operating.
How do you pronounce “physician”?
“Physician” is pronounced fih-ZIHSHN (/fəˈzɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “physician” in a sentence?
Here is “physician” used in a sentence: “Her physician prescribed a course of antibiotics.”
What is another word for “physician”?
Words with a similar meaning to “physician” include doctor, doc, leech, physic, medic and medician.
What part of speech is “physician”?
“Physician” is a noun.
Where does the word “physician” come from?
The word “physician” comes from Old French. From Old French fisicien, from fisique ("the art of healing"), ultimately from Greek phusike ("knowledge of nature").
Is “physician” a common word?
“Physician” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a "physician" and a "surgeon"?
A "physician" is a medical doctor who treats illness mainly through diagnosis and medicine, while a "surgeon" treats conditions by performing operations. Both are qualified doctors, but they focus on different kinds of treatment.
What is the difference between a "physician" and a "doctor"?
"Doctor" is a broad term for anyone qualified to practise medicine, while "physician" more specifically means a doctor who treats illness with medicine and diagnosis rather than surgery. In American English, "physician" is also used formally for any medical doctor.
What is the difference between a "physician" and a "general practitioner"?
A "physician" is any doctor who treats illness with medicine and diagnosis, while a "general practitioner" (GP) is a physician who provides routine, first-contact care across a wide range of conditions. All GPs are physicians, but many physicians specialise in a single field.
Is "physician" more formal than "doctor"?
Yes, "physician" is the more formal and technical term, common in medical, academic, and official writing, while "doctor" is the everyday word most patients use. They often refer to the same person.