PSA
3 synonyms for PSA, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A short message broadcast or posted in the public interest, warning or informing people about something such as health, safety or a deadline.
Synonyms
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.
public service announcement
public notice
How to use PSA
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a quick PSA
PSA test
raised PSA level
run a PSA
The broadcast and online senses are everyday; the medical sense is clinical and appears with words like level, test and screening.
Etymology
An initialism of public service announcement.
Full origin of PSA →Frequently asked questions
What does PSA mean in a social media post?
It stands for public service announcement and is used, usually half-jokingly, to introduce something the writer thinks everyone should be aware of. It signals "listen up, this is useful" rather than an official notice.
What is a normal PSA level?
Below about 4 nanograms per millilitre has traditionally been treated as normal, but the threshold rises with age and varies between labs. A raised PSA can be caused by infection, an enlarged prostate or recent exercise as well as cancer, so results are always interpreted by a doctor alongside other findings.
What is the difference between a PSA and an advert?
An advert is paid for and promotes a product or brand. A PSA carries information in the public interest, is usually produced by a government body or charity, and broadcasters often carry it free of charge.
