be synonymous with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be synonymous with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that two terms or concepts have the same meaning or are closely related in meaning. Example: "In many cultures, the word 'freedom' is often seen to be synonymous with 'independence.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Grand Central Terminal may be synonymous with noise and haste.

The New York Times - Health

The epithet "comstockery" came to be synonymous with moralistic censorship.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Everyone knows the Salukis will not soon be synonymous with up-tempo, graceful basketball.

The New York Times - Sports

Yes, it is true that vegetarian food does not have to be synonymous with asceticism.

The New York Times

Summer used to be synonymous with another kind of outdoor movie: the drive-in.

The New York Times

No one is quite sure why Newquay came to be synonymous with end-of-GCSE celebrations.

The Guardian

We have lost the basic human decency that should be synonymous with Europe, and Britain.

The Guardian - Arts

Audrey Hepburn came to be synonymous with this form of elegance.

The Guardian - Film

I know Canadian TV doesn't have to be synonymous with bland, sluggish and inept.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In New York City, "Hispanic" used to be synonymous with Puerto Rican.

The New York Times

RALPH NADER'S name used to be synonymous with consumer advocacy and corporate muckraking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Maintain consistency in your writing style; while "be synonymous with" is generally appropriate for formal writing, consider using simpler alternatives like "mean the same as" for informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "be synonymous with" when the terms are only loosely related or have subtle differences in meaning. Ensure that the context genuinely supports a relationship of equivalence, as misusing the phrase can mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be synonymous with" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject with a predicate nominative or adjective, asserting that the subject and predicate are equivalent in meaning. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis, which confirms its proper usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be synonymous with" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that two terms or concepts are equivalent in meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and grammatical soundness. It appears frequently in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, reflecting its suitability for formal and neutral contexts. When writing, ensure that the terms are genuinely equivalent and avoid overstating their relationship. Alternatives such as "be equivalent to" or "mean the same as" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas, while related questions about its correct usage and semantic range clarify its role in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be equivalent to

Indicates a direct equivalence or correspondence; slightly more formal.

be the same as

A more straightforward and less formal way of expressing equivalence.

be tantamount to

Implies that something is virtually equal to something else, often with negative connotations.

be interchangeable with

Suggests that two terms can be used in place of each other without changing the meaning.

amount to the same thing as

Emphasizes that the end result or significance is identical.

correspond to

Highlights a matching or analogous relationship.

be considered as

Focuses on the perception or understanding of equivalence.

be regarded as

Similar to 'be considered as', but suggests a more formal assessment.

be understood as

Emphasizes the interpretation or comprehension of the equivalence.

equate to

A concise way of stating that two things are equal or comparable.

FAQs

How to use "be synonymous with" in a sentence?

Use "be synonymous with" to indicate that two terms or concepts are essentially interchangeable or have the same meaning. For example, "For many, success seems to "be synonymous with" wealth".

What can I say instead of "be synonymous with"?

You can use alternatives like "be equivalent to", "mean the same as", or "be interchangeable with" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "be synonymous with" or "is synonymous to"?

"Be synonymous with" is the correct and idiomatic usage. The preposition "with" is necessary to establish the relationship between the two terms being equated. "Is synonymous to" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "be synonymous with" and "be associated with"?

"Be synonymous with" implies a direct equivalence or interchangeability, whereas "be associated with" simply indicates a connection or relationship that may not be one of equality. The former is stronger and more specific than the latter.