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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

synonym

SIN-uh-nim

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Synonym (noun) means a word or phrase that means the same, or almost the same, as another word or phrase. Example: “Happy and glad are synonyms.”

noun

1

A word or phrase that means the same, or almost the same, as another word or phrase.

"Happy and glad are synonyms."

"Choose a synonym so the sentence does not repeat the same word twice."

"A thesaurus lists synonyms for thousands of common words."

2

technical In biological naming, any alternative name that has been given to the same species or other taxon.

"The older name was later reclassified as a synonym of the accepted species."

"Botanists sometimes list several synonyms under a single valid plant name."

"Only one of the two synonyms is used in current scientific publications."

How to use synonym

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA synonym is simply another word that means roughly the same as the one you started with.

When to use it

Synonym is a standard word used in everyday, academic and technical writing alike.

Memory tip

Check a dictionary before swapping in a synonym, since even close synonyms can carry a different tone or shade of meaning.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

antonym → homonym →

Common pairings

a synonym for find a synonym list of synonyms near-synonym

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “synonym” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Happy and glad are _____.

Etymology

Synonym came into English through Latin synonymum, which in turn came from Ancient Greek. The Greek word combined a prefix meaning "with" or "together" and a root meaning "name", so the word literally describes terms that share a name or meaning.

Origin: Latin

Antonyms

antonym opposite

Related words

like same opposition opposite facing reverse contrary identical

Rhymes for synonym

antonym homonym meronym acronym hydronym pseudonym

See all rhymes for synonym →

Frequently asked questions

What is a synonym in simple terms?

A synonym is a different word that means almost the same thing as another word, such as big and large.

Can two words ever be perfect synonyms?

Words that share a meaning often still differ slightly in tone or context, so exact interchangeability is rare even between close synonyms.

What is the opposite of a synonym called?

The opposite of a synonym is an antonym, which is a word with a contrasting or opposite meaning.

What is the meaning of synonym?

"synonym" (noun) means a word or phrase that means the same, or almost the same, as another word or phrase.

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like same opposition opposite facing reverse contrary identical