synonyms for

USAGE SUMMARY

"synonyms for" is a correct phrase in written English and can be used when you want to give a list of words that have similar meanings.
For example, "Here are some synonyms for happy: joyful, jubilant, elated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What are the synonyms for prevention?

The New York Times

Broken glass underfoot and looking up synonyms for rubble.

The New Yorker

Six-Word Scouting Report: Choose five synonyms for "he's big".

The New York Times

"I ran out of synonyms for cheating," Mr. Hyde said.

The New York Times

Headline-writers struggled to find synonyms for "historic".

The Economist

I could look up all the synonyms for angry in the dictionary; they'd all apply.

The Guardian

It's stirring stuff, though you do occasionally wish there were synonyms for "proletariat" and "class struggle".

The Guardian - Books

Fish eyes, frogspawn or eyeball pudding – synonyms for Britain's most hated school pudding, tapioca.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(@MyVogonPoetry) "Use as many different synonyms for 'said' as possible, he ejaculated".

The Guardian - Books

In other words, "incidental" and "inadvertent" seem to have become synonyms for "warrantless" and "illegal".

The New Yorker

Who knew that there were two hundred and forty-eight synonyms for stupid?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking synonyms, consider the specific context to ensure the replacement word maintains the intended nuance and register. Using a thesaurus is a good starting point, but always evaluate the suggested words within your sentence.

Common error

Don't blindly replace words with synonyms from a thesaurus without considering the subtle differences in meaning or the overall tone of your writing. Always check the new word in context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "synonyms for" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a list or discussion of words with similar meanings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound way to preface a presentation of related vocabulary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

37%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "synonyms for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to introduce words with similar meanings. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, scientific writing, and general communication. While synonyms can enrich your writing, remember to use them appropriately, considering the context and nuances of each word. Remember to avoid over-reliance on a thesaurus and always verify that the replacement word accurately reflects your intended meaning. When looking for alternatives, consider phrases like "words with similar meanings" or "alternative terms for" to achieve similar clarity. Overall, "synonyms for" is a valuable tool for expanding vocabulary and improving writing precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

words with similar meanings

Focuses on the semantic similarity between words, rather than the act of finding synonyms.

alternative terms for

Highlights the substitution aspect, emphasizing that these words can be used instead of the original term.

words with equivalent meanings

Emphasizes the equivalence of meaning, suggesting a higher degree of interchangeability.

lexical substitutes for

Uses more formal and technical language, suitable for academic contexts.

corresponding words for

Highlights a direct correspondence or mapping between words.

related terms for

Broader than synonyms, includes words with related but not necessarily identical meanings.

alternate expressions for

Focuses on different ways to phrase the same concept.

similar vocabulary for

Emphasizes the vocabulary aspect, useful when discussing word choices.

parallel words for

Suggests a parallel relationship in meaning or usage.

equivalent vocabulary

Implies a set of words that can be used interchangeably in certain contexts.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "synonyms for" in a sentence?

Use "synonyms for" when you want to explicitly indicate that you are providing a list of words with similar meanings. For example: "Here are some "synonyms for" 'happy': joyful, elated, and content."

What are some phrases similar to "synonyms for" that I can use?

You can use phrases like "alternative terms for", "words with similar meanings", or "lexical substitutes for" to convey a similar idea.

How do I choose the best synonym from a list of "synonyms for" a word?

Consider the context in which you are using the word, the tone you want to convey, and the specific nuance you want to express. Not all synonyms are perfectly interchangeable.

Is it always necessary to use "synonyms for" when providing a list of similar words?

No, it is not always necessary. You can simply list the words without explicitly stating that they are synonyms if the context makes it clear. However, using "synonyms for" provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.