is a synonym for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a synonym for" is correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain that one word or phrase has the same meaning as another word or phrase. Example: "The word 'happy' is a synonym for 'joyful'."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Indeed, "charmer" is a synonym for cad.

Independent

Farkled is a synonym for hosed.

The New Yorker

(Fumé is a synonym for sauvignon blanc).

The New York Times

Subway series is a synonym for civil war.

The New York Times

"Kuchu" is a synonym for "queer" in Uganda.

The New York Times

It is a synonym for the Soviet era.

The Guardian

In military jargon, black is a synonym for secret.

The New York Times

"Chaotic is a synonym for alive," his father said.

The New York Times

His response showed why the name DiMaggio is a synonym for quiet self-assurance.

The New York Times

If for Anca and Ines performance is a synonym for conformity, for Winfried it's the opposite.

The New York Times

And a common misperception is that independent is a synonym for moderate.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is a synonym for", ensure that the synonym truly captures the essence of the original term to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Be aware that while two words might be synonyms, they may carry slightly different connotations or be appropriate in different contexts. Always consider the nuance before stating that one term "is a synonym for" another.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a synonym for" functions as a linking verb phrase that connects a term to its synonym, indicating semantic equivalence. As seen in Ludwig, it is commonly used to define or clarify the meaning of words and phrases.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is a synonym for" serves as a crucial tool for explaining semantic relationships, clarifying definitions, and enhancing understanding across diverse fields. As Ludwig AI pointed out, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently employed. While the sources providing examples are generally authoritative, it is important to consider that synonyms are not always perfectly interchangeable. Context matters. The contexts where this phrase appears more frequently are News & Media and Science. By using "is a synonym for" judiciously, you can enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is equivalent to

Emphasizes direct equivalence in meaning.

means the same as

Highlights the shared meaning between two terms.

is another way of saying

Focuses on alternative phrasing for the same concept.

can be replaced with

Suggests substitutability in a given context.

is also known as

Highlights alternative nomenclature or identification.

functions as

Indicates the practical application of the phrase in different contexts.

denotes

Highlights the indication/designation function of the phrase.

is defined as

More formal way to define relationship and meaning

corresponds to

Links two items that function in similar ways

is used interchangeably with

Suggests that both terms are functionally equivalent.

FAQs

How do I use "is a synonym for" in a sentence?

You can use "is a synonym for" to explain that one word or phrase has the same or very similar meaning as another. For example, "'Happy' "is a synonym for joyful"."

What are some alternatives to "is a synonym for"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is equivalent to", "means the same as", or "is another way of saying", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to say one word "is a synonym for" another?

While synonyms share similar meanings, they may not always be perfectly interchangeable. Consider the context and connotations of each word to ensure accurate and effective communication. Words can have overlapping but distinct meanings.

What's the difference between "is a synonym for" and "is related to"?

"Is a synonym for" indicates that two terms have essentially the same meaning. "Is related to" simply suggests a connection or association, but doesn't imply identical meanings. Synonyms are a specific type of related term.