is not synonymous with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not synonymous with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that one thing does not mean the same as another thing. For example: "Cheerful is not synonymous with happy; although a cheerful person can certainly be happy, the two words typically refer to two different states of mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Broader is not synonymous with better".

The New Yorker

"Influential" is not synonymous with "famous".

Independent

Continuity is not synonymous with stasis.

The New York Times - Arts

'Date-ready' is not synonymous with 'classy'".

The Guardian - Money

For risk is not synonymous with catastrophe.

The Guardian - Opinion

Today, design is not synonymous with mass production.

The New York Times - Arts

It is not synonymous with religious conservatism, extremism or "fundamentalism".

The New York Times

'Accountability' is not synonymous with 'Heads must roll'".

The Guardian

Throughout Japan, tofu is not synonymous with vegetarian cuisine.

The New York Times - Travel

"This economic growth is not synonymous with political democratic development.

The Guardian

Striving is not synonymous with paid work in my dictionary.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not synonymous with" to clarify subtle differences between related concepts, preventing potential misunderstandings in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is not synonymous with" when a simpler phrase like "is not the same as" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not synonymous with" functions as a connector to express a distinction between two related but different concepts. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase emphasizes that two terms do not have the same meaning, which is crucial for clarity in various contexts. The examples show its use in academic, news media, and general writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is not synonymous with" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the distinction between two terms that are often mistakenly considered equivalent. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various writing styles. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, reflecting its utility in clarifying concepts for a broad audience. When writing, consider using this phrase to ensure precision, but avoid overuse in contexts where simpler alternatives suffice. Remember that clarifying the nuances of language is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not equate to

This alternative is more direct and emphasizes a lack of direct equivalence.

is not interchangeable with

This alternative focuses on the inability to use one term in place of another.

is distinct from

This alternative emphasizes a clear separation and difference between two concepts.

is not the same as

This alternative is simpler and more informal, suitable for general communication.

doesn't mean the same as

This alternative is a straightforward way to express that two terms have different meanings.

is different than

This alternative highlights the differences between two things, often used in American English.

should not be confused with

This alternative is used to prevent misunderstanding or misinterpretation.

bears no resemblance to

This alternative stresses the absence of similarity or likeness.

is separate and apart from

This alternative emphasizes a complete and distinct separation.

is not necessarily

This alternative indicates that a relationship is not always true or consistent.

FAQs

How can I use "is not synonymous with" in a sentence?

Use "is not synonymous with" to clarify that two terms, though related, have distinct meanings. For example, "Intelligence is not synonymous with wisdom; one can be intelligent without necessarily being wise."

What are some alternatives to "is not synonymous with"?

You can use alternatives like "does not equate to", "is not the same as", or "is distinct from" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "is not synonymous with" to show a difference between two words?

No, it's not always necessary. The choice depends on the level of formality and the subtlety of the distinction you want to make. Simpler phrases may be more appropriate in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "is not synonymous with" and "is not equal to"?

"Is not synonymous with" highlights a difference in meaning or connotation, while "is not equal to" usually refers to a difference in quantity or value. Synonyms share meaning, while equality implies the same numerical or measurable value.