The phrase "a different word for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask for a synonym or an alternative term for a specific word.
Example: "Can you suggest a different word for 'happy'?"
Alternatives: "a synonym for" or "an alternative term for".
"Well, we use a different word for it," he replied.
The French used to have a different word for interior designer -- ensemblier.
The fundamental problem in finance is not greed – which is really a different word for ambition, measured in monetary terms.
But I think that if you asked the many slaves who lived at Monticello, they might use a different word for it than "utopia" (Weekend section, July 6).
"There should be a different word for this model of development," said Mark Lautman, director of economic development for Mesa del Sol.
After four months in Spain, Madeline has at least realized what's going on: Spanish people have a different word for everything, and we're all playing a big game trying to learn their words for our things.
In future research, we concur with the recommendation of a reviewer for a different wording of this question: "Sometimes a fertilized ovum or an embryo does not continue to grow for a variety of reasons.
We ought to have a quite different word for that which we have an obligation to feel.
"While 'FAB' by itself could be taken to mean 'fabulous,' it could also be interpreted as an acronym for another phrase or an abbreviation for a different word.
"Hasbro also sponsors the North American Scrabble Championship," said Lipe, who suspects that, as he put it, "NASPA's leadership doesn't want to complicate that relationship by pushing for a different word list".
Actually, it's the same letter -- "A" -- but it stands for a different word that's increasingly regarded as shameful: Austerity.
