synonymous

adjective

syn·​on·​y·​mous sə-ˈnä-nə-məs 

1

: having the character of a synonym

also : alike in meaning or significance

2

: having the same connotations, implications, or reference

To runners, Boston is synonymous with marathon …

—Runner's World

synonymously adverb

Examples of synonymous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

By the late nineteenth century, the name Bell and the practice of elocution—the professional enhancement of the voice—had become close to synonymous. — Cal Revely-Calder, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026

Moto Guzzi, a motorcycle brand almost synonymous with the 90-degree V-twin, has just revealed a brand new 500-class roadster. — New Atlas, 2 Nov. 2026

The trend’s surge feels especially fitting with the holidays right around the corner, as velvet is a texture synonymous with the latter half of the year. — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2026

Today, experts say, the phrase is in danger of becoming synonymous with the potentially enormous costs of overconfidence, complacency, and an unwillingness to change. — Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for synonymous

• anonymous
• autonomous
• economise
• eponymous

Kids Definition

synonymous

adjective

syn·​on·​y·​mous sə-ˈnän-ə-məs 

1

: alike in meaning

2

: suggesting the same thing

a brand name that is synonymous with quality

synonymously adverb

Etymology

from Latin synonymus "synonymous," from Greek synōnymos, literally, "having the same name," from syn- "together, along with" and onyma, onoma "name" — related to anonymous, symposium, synagogue, synchronous