pseudonym

noun

pseu·​do·​nym ˈsü-də-ˌnim How to pronounce pseudonym (audio)
Synonyms of pseudonym
: a fictitious name
especially : pen name

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Pseudonym has its origins in the Greek adjective pseudōnymos, which means “bearing a false name.” French speakers adopted the Greek word as the noun pseudonyme, and English speakers later modified the French word into pseudonym. Many celebrated authors have used pseudonyms. Samuel Clemens wrote under the pseudonym “Mark Twain,” Charles Lutwidge Dodgson assumed the pseudonym “Lewis Carroll,” and Mary Ann Evans used “George Eliot” as her pseudonym.

Synonyms of pseudonym

Examples of pseudonym in a Sentence

Mark Twain is the pseudonym of the American writer Samuel L. Clemens. the most notorious serial killer of the 19th century remains known only by the pseudonym of Jack the Ripper
Recent Examples on the Web
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Australian computer scientist and businessman Wright has publicly claimed to be the main part of the team that created the billion dollar business bitcoin, and the identity behind the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 22 May 2026 The Heroes actor says another friend, given the pseudonym Stella McAmis, put her in dangerous situations with older and more famous Hollywood men. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 20 May 2026 The plaintiffs are two transgender teens and their parents, who are all identified by pseudonyms in court filings. Matthew Kelly may 19, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026 Renter Mandy Feng, who prefers to use a pseudonym for fear of being seen criticizing the authorities, said the stimulus the government is offering has failed to offset people’s anxiety over an uncertain economic outlook. Chris Lau, CNN Money, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for pseudonym

Word History

Etymology

French pseudonyme, from Greek pseudōnymos bearing a false name, from pseud- + onyma name — more at name

First Known Use

1817, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pseudonym was in 1817

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Cite this Entry

“Pseudonym.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pseudonym. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

pseudonym

noun
pseud·​onym
ˈsüd-ᵊn-ˌim
: a fictitious name
especially : pen name

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