wireless
8 synonyms and 1 antonym for wireless, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Not connected by physical wires or cables.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Not connected by physical wires or cables.
“She bought a wireless keyboard so her desk would look tidier.”
Opposites
How to use wireless
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
wireless network
wireless connection
wireless router
listen to the wireless
Etymology
Formed from wire plus the suffix -less, originally describing early radio technology that sent signals without a physical wire connection.
Full origin of wireless →Frequently asked questions
What does “wireless” mean?
The word “wireless” means not connected by physical wires or cables. In plain terms, anything that works without cables — Wi-Fi devices today, or an old-fashioned radio set in British English.
How do you pronounce “wireless”?
“Wireless” is pronounced WEYE-uh-luhs (/ˈwaɪ(jə)ɹ.ləs/ in IPA).
How do you use “wireless” in a sentence?
Here is “wireless” used in a sentence: “She bought a wireless keyboard so her desk would look tidier.”
What is another word for “wireless”?
Words with a similar meaning to “wireless” include cordless.
What is the opposite of “wireless”?
The opposite of “wireless” — its antonyms — is wired.
What part of speech is “wireless”?
Depending on how it is used, “wireless” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “wireless” a common word?
“Wireless” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “wireless” have?
“Wireless” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not connected by physical wires or cables.
What is the difference between wireless and cordless?
Cordless usually means a device runs without a power or connecting cord but still communicates over a short range to a base, such as a cordless phone. Wireless more broadly means not connected by any physical wires or cables and often refers to data transmission such as Wi-Fi or radio.
What is the difference between wireless and wired?
Wired means connected by physical cables, while wireless means not connected by wires or cables at all. The two are direct opposites when describing how devices link to a network or power source.
Why do older British speakers call a radio the wireless?
In older British usage, wireless is a noun meaning radio or a radio receiver. The term dates from early broadcasting, when radio transmission was contrasted with wired telegraphy, and it survives today mainly as a dated or affectionate word for a radio set.
