Synonyms of address

address 1 of 2

verb

ə-ˈdres 

1

as in to handle

to deal with (something) usually skillfully or efficiently

the problem will only get worse if you don't address it now

Synonyms & Similar Words

• handle
• manage
• manipulate
• treat
• take
• negotiate
• field
• cope (with)
• play
• contend (with)
• maneuver
• grapple (with)
• come to grips with
• hack
• swing
• carry out
• have a grip on
• control
• regulate
• pull
• direct
• carry off
• get off
• engineer
• guide
• steer
• respond (to)
• react (to)
• command
• bring off
• jockey
• finesse
• run
• micromanage

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• goof (up)
• fumble
• botch
• mess (up)
• bungle
• mishandle
• louse up
• muff
• scamp
• foozle

2

as in to devote

to occupy (oneself) diligently or with close attention

please address yourself to what I'm saying and not to the television

Synonyms & Similar Words

• devote
• apply
• give
• commit
• get cracking
• work
• buckle
• get with it
• bend
• turn one's hand
• get one's act together
• set (to)
• readdress
• settle (down)
• spend
• concern
• engage
• involve
• reapply
• wear out
• busy
• tax
• exert
• stress
• carry on
• trouble
• exhaust
• put out
• knuckle down
• plunge (in)
• pitch in
• plow
• hustle
• plug (away)
• hump
• strain
• peg (away)
• grind
• plod

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• play
• idle
• fool around
• dawdle
• fiddle (around)
• trifle
• mess around
• putter (around)
• potter (around)
• monkey (around)
• dally
• dillydally

3

as in to contact

to transmit information or requests to

you may address the manager about your problems tomorrow

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contact
• reach
• inform
• tell
• communicate (with)
• get
• get hold of
• call
• get in touch with
• notify
• touch base (with)
• advise
• clue
• fill in
• apprise
• instruct
• phone
• get through (to)
• enlighten
• telephone
• brief
• familiarize
• acquaint
• wise (up)
• ring (up)
• keep up (with)
• buzz

address

2 of 2

noun

ə-ˈdres 

1

as in speech

a usually formal discourse delivered to an audience

George Washington's Farewell Address

a papal address

Synonyms & Similar Words

• speech
• talk
• lecture
• sermon
• oration
• harangue
• declamation
• presentation
• peroration
• tribute
• monologue
• keynote address
• eulogy
• tirade
• diatribe
• rant
• panegyric
• salutatory
• soliloquy
• pitch
• homily
• spiel

2

as in behavior

the way or manner in which one conducts oneself

a gentleman with all of poise and social address that one would expect of someone coming from old money

Synonyms & Similar Words

• behavior
• actions
• demeanor
• presence
• conduct
• bearing
• attitude
• manners
• deportment
• look
• pose
• comportment
• characteristic
• form
• trait
• geste
• etiquette
• posture
• style
• courtesy
• practice
• attribute
• aspect
• air
• protocol
• pattern
• affectation
• rules
• amenity
• proprieties
• decorum
• habit
• politeness
• poise
• mode
• mores
• carriage
• custom
• civility
• distinctiveness
• convention
• trick
• wont
• uniqueness
• singularity
• formality
• mien
• peculiarity
• mark
• p's and q's
• fashion
• strangeness
• weirdness
• oddity
• habitude

Synonym Chooser

How is the word address different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of address are poise, savoir faire, and tact. While all these words mean "skill and grace in dealing with others," address stresses dexterity and grace in dealing with new and trying situations and may imply success in attaining one's ends.

brought it off with remarkable address

When would poise be a good substitute for address?

While in some cases nearly identical to address, poise may imply both tact and address but stresses self-possession and ease in meeting difficult situations.

answered the accusations with unruffled poise

When is savoir faire a more appropriate choice than address?

Although the words savoir faire and address have much in common, savoir faire is likely to stress worldly experience and a sure awareness of what is proper or expedient.

the savoir faire of a seasoned traveler

When might tact be a better fit than address?

The synonyms tact and address are sometimes interchangeable, but tact implies delicate and considerate perception of what is appropriate.

questions showing a lack of tact

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of address

Verb

Last year’s Oscar season began with the hope for a new White House day, only to be jarringly interrupted by a dramatic election result and subsequent daze in many of us over how any of these movies, or even culture at large, could address the reality that had landed on us. —Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2025

The prime minister addresses the nation from the fort's ramparts every year on August 15, India's independence day. —Shivam Patel, USA Today, 10 Nov. 2025

Noun

Be sure each traveler’s phone number and e-mail address in your party are attached to the reservation. —Essence, 10 Nov. 2025

The sale will require two-factor authentication with fans verifying both their email address and phone number to gain access using a unique code. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2025