Synonym

Definition

The noun "synonym" refers to (1) a word or expression that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another; and (2) a substitute term used to avoid repetition or for stylistic variety.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈsɪn.ə.nɪm/
• Respelling: SIN-uh-nim

British English

• IPA: /ˈsɪn.ə.nɪm/
• Respelling: SIN-uh-nim

Etymology

From Latin synonymum, from Greek synōnymon “equivalent name,” from syn- “together” + onoma “name.” Entered English in the 16th century.

Derivatives

• Synonymous (adjective)
• Synonymy (noun)
• Synonymously (adverb)

Synonyms

• Equivalent
• Alternative
• Substitute

Antonyms

• Antonym
• Opposite
• Dissimilar

Usage

"Synonym" appears in writing, lexicography, and language study. Examples: "Happy and joyful are synonyms," "Consult a thesaurus for synonyms of common words."

Related Terms

• Thesaurus: A reference work listing synonyms and antonyms.
• Antonym: A word with opposite meaning.
• Homonym: A word spelled or pronounced like another but with different meaning.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A word having the same or nearly the same meaning as another:
  • Example: "Large is a synonym for big."
• A substitute term used for variety or clarity:
  • Example: "Using synonyms can improve writing by avoiding repetition."