sans
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for sans, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Prep — Without, especially something expected or usually present.
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.
Etymology
From Old French sans, "without", ultimately from Latin sine.
Full origin of sans →Frequently asked questions
What does “sans” mean?
The word “sans” means without, especially something expected or usually present. In plain terms, a slightly formal or playful way of saying "without".
How do you pronounce “sans”?
“Sans” is pronounced sanz (/sænz/ in IPA).
How do you use “sans” in a sentence?
Here is “sans” used in a sentence: “He showed up sans invitation and nobody stopped him.”
What part of speech is “sans”?
“Sans” is a preposition.
Where does the word “sans” come from?
The word “sans” comes from Latin. From Old French sans, "without", ultimately from Latin sine.
Is “sans” a common word?
“Sans” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between sans and without?
"Sans" and "without" mean the same thing, but "sans" has a more formal, literary, or sometimes playful tone borrowed from French, while "without" is the everyday, neutral choice. "Sans" is often used for stylistic effect rather than in plain conversation.
Is sans a formal or informal word?
"Sans" leans formal or literary in most uses, though it is sometimes used informally in a knowingly old-fashioned or humorous way, such as "coffee sans sugar." It is far less common in everyday speech than "without."
What part of speech follows sans in a sentence?
"Sans" is a preposition, so it is followed by a noun or noun phrase, just like "without." For example, in "a burger sans cheese," the noun "cheese" follows "sans" to show what is missing.