What does "synonym" mean?
A term (word or phrase) which is synonymous with others.
Synonym
/ˈsɪn.əˌnɪm/ noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A term (word or phrase) which is synonymous with others.
- Grammar: synonym is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: actual thing, alternative label, alternative term, antonym.
- Useful contrasts: antonym, dissimilar label, dissimilar term.
- Usage evidence: "Car" is a synonym of "automobile".
How to use "synonym"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "synonym" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "synonym" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "synonym" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "synonym" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "synonym" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "actual thing" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "synonym", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A term (word or phrase) which is synonymous with others.
"Near-synonyms: near-synonym, parasynonym, plesionym"
- 2 two words that can be interchanged in a context are said to be synonymous relative to that context wordnet
- 3 Any of the various names that could in theory be used for a taxon in accordance with the relevant rules.; The subset of those names other than the one to be used according to the rules. informal
- 4 Any of the various names that could in theory be used for a taxon in accordance with the relevant rules.; Any name that has been applied to a taxon other than the one to be used, including those not allowed by the rules such as misspellings or nomina nuda. broadly
- 5 An alternative (often shorter) name defined for an object in a database.
"Synonyms are part of the SQL standard and are used frequently by Oracle DBAs. Note that Oracle includes both private and public synonyms."
Verb
- 1 To make synonymous. transitive
"The fair fame of this good Knight has suffered greatly from the levity of his critics, and still more from the chattering of nugators, blatterones, sermocinators, and other superficial dignitaries; insomuch that his very name is synonymed with that of a liar."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
""Car" is a synonym of "automobile"."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "synonym"?
Common synonyms include: actual thing, alternative label, alternative term, antonym, articulation, carbon copy.
How do you use "synonym" in a sentence?
"Car" is a synonym of "automobile".
How do you pronounce "synonym"?
Pronounced /ˈsɪn.əˌnɪm/.
Etymology
From Middle English sinonyme, from Latin synōnymum, from Ancient Greek συνώνυμον (sunṓnumon), neuter singular form of συνώνυμος (sunṓnumos, “synonymous”), from σύν (sún, “with”) + ὄνομα (ónoma, “name”). By surface analysis, syn- + -onym.