synonyms

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "synonyms" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to words or phrases with the same or similar meanings. For example, "The thesaurus lists several synonyms for the word 'happy', such as 'delighted' and 'jubilant'."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You're welcome," he replies, after consulting a thesaurus to find the most needlessly verbose synonyms for the words "you're" and "welcome".

The Guardian

No doubt this film will inspire debate, between feminists who despise Mattel for this sexualised image of impossible beauty and those who point at Barbie's 150 careers and talk about things like empowerment and other gentle synonyms for feminism.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I also relished synonyms – especially those that bring new energy to familiar entities.

The Guardian - Books

Soft synonyms ease consciences and incline us to consider things less problematic, making us feel better and unfairly shunting matters to the bottom of the priority pile.

The Guardian - Opinion

To foil keyword filters, Mr Xia replaces sensitive words such as "freedom" and "elections" with uncommon or approximate synonyms, or descriptive phrases.

The Economist

Ghada Amer, an Egyptian artist who lives in New York, carved an amorphous sculpture with 100 Arabic synonyms for love rather than try to persuade the Qataris to exhibit her better-known work which is often pornographic.

The Economist

British English encourages lively scatological synonyms: foreigners told that someone is "taking a slash" or "on the bog" may be mystified.Sex outstrips even excretion as a source of euphemism.

The Economist

If so, how are they to be first collected and then assembled into a coherent argument without judgment and belief, close synonyms for opinion?

The Economist

It was she who injected into mainstream politics the notion that "Indian" and "Hindu" were synonyms, an idea that animates the current ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The Economist

In normal circumstances, there are 20 types of amino acid corresponding to those 61 words (it is not only in the matter of stopping that the language of genes is a language of synonyms).

The Economist

WITH the American presidential campaign now just a few days away, political writers are struggling to find synonyms for "dead heat".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity, choose "synonyms" that not only share a similar meaning but also fit the tone and context of your writing.

Common error

Avoid substituting "synonyms" without considering their connotations. Even if words have similar meanings, their implications or emotional weight can vary greatly.

Linguistic Context

The noun "synonyms" functions as a referential term to describe words or phrases that share a similar meaning. Ludwig AI shows its usage across various domains, highlighting its role in language and communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "synonyms" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that refers to words or phrases with similar meanings. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and applicability across diverse fields, including science, news, and formal writing. Selecting appropriate "synonyms" enhances clarity and avoids repetition, but it is essential to consider subtle differences in connotation. Related phrases like "equivalent terms" and "alternative words" offer similar ways to express this linguistic concept. By understanding the nuances of "synonyms", writers can refine their style and convey their intended message more effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equivalent terms

Focuses on the equivalence in meaning between different terms.

alternative words

Emphasizes the availability of different word choices.

words with similar meaning

Clearly states the core concept of shared or related meanings.

words with analogous sense

Highlights the analogous, or comparable, nature of the words' meanings.

corresponding expressions

Stresses the direct correspondence between different expressions.

parallel terms

Implies a side-by-side relationship of similarity in meaning.

alternative lexical items

Uses more technical vocabulary to refer to word choices.

words of like meaning

Simple and direct restatement of the concept of similar meaning.

near equivalents

Acknowledges that the similarity may not be perfect.

semantically related words

Focuses on the semantic, or meaning-based, connection between words.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "synonyms" in my writing?

Using "synonyms" can enhance your writing by adding variety and avoiding repetition. However, it's crucial to select "equivalent terms" that accurately reflect the intended meaning and context.

What are some common "synonyms" for the word "important"?

Some common "synonyms" for "important" include "significant", "essential", "crucial", and "vital". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "synonyms" and 'near equivalents'?

"Synonyms" generally refer to words with very similar meanings, while "near equivalents" may have slightly different connotations or apply in more specific contexts. The distinction lies in the degree of semantic overlap.

How can I find reliable "synonyms" for a given word?

You can find reliable "synonyms" by using a thesaurus, either in print or online. Reputable dictionaries also often list "alternative words" with similar meanings.