syrup
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for syrup, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A thick, sugary liquid poured over food or used as a sweetener.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use syrup
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French sirop, from Medieval Latin syrupus, ultimately from Arabic sharab, "a drink" — the same root behind "sherbet" and "sorbet."
Full origin of syrup →Frequently asked questions
What does “syrup” mean?
The word “syrup” means a thick, sugary liquid poured over food or used as a sweetener. In plain terms, a thick, sweet liquid, or figuratively anything overly sentimental.
How do you pronounce “syrup”?
“Syrup” is pronounced SIH-ruhp (/ˈsɪɹ.əp/ in IPA).
How do you use “syrup” in a sentence?
Here is “syrup” used in a sentence: “She drizzled maple syrup over the pancakes.”
What part of speech is “syrup”?
“Syrup” is a noun.
Where does the word “syrup” come from?
The word “syrup” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French sirop, from Medieval Latin syrupus, ultimately from Arabic sharab, "a drink" — the same root behind "sherbet" and "sorbet.".
Is “syrup” a common word?
“Syrup” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “syrup” have?
“Syrup” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a thick, sugary liquid poured over food or used as a sweetener.
What is the difference between syrup and honey?
Syrup is a broad term for a thick, sugary liquid poured over food or used as a sweetener, which can be made from various sources such as maple, corn, or sugar cane. Honey is a specific natural syrup produced by bees, with its own distinct flavour and origin.
What does it mean to call something syrup in a figurative sense?
Used figuratively, 'syrup' describes something regarded as overly sweet or sentimental, such as a syrupy film or song. The term borrows the idea of excessive sweetness to criticise emotional excess.
Is syrup only used to describe food?
No, while syrup literally refers to a thick, sugary liquid, it is also used figuratively to describe something overly sweet or sentimental in tone, such as writing or music. This figurative use extends beyond literal food or drink.