as in nickname
a descriptive or familiar name given instead of or in addition to the one belonging to an individual
Thomas Edward Lawrence is better known to most people by his byname, Lawrence of Arabia
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of byname
Robert the Wise was a good teacher — and, as his byname suggests, a good role model.
—
Anne Thériault, Longreads, 3 July 2018
Anne Thériault, Longreads, 3 July 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for byname
Noun
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Monday Night Brewing Garden Co. The vibe: In line with its nickname, the outside of Garden Co. has a beer garden feel, complete with numerous picnic tables and fire pits.—
McKenzie Rankin,
Axios,
10 Mar. 2025
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Swisher was referring to Trump’s derisive nickname for Warren, Pocahontas, last aimed at her during his address last Tuesday night.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
8 Mar. 2025
Noun
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As reported by the Daily Mail and by People, the official surname for the British royal family, including for Meghan and Harry, is Mountbatten-Windsor.—
Martha Ross,
The Mercury News,
7 Mar. 2025
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The innies didn’t even get surnames; they were identified by their first names and an opening initial: Mark S., Helly R.—
Katy Waldman,
The New Yorker,
6 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The reply of my friend and hunting companion was one of those quaint, rasping epithets which only a cowman can manage when everything has gone wrong.—
Frank C. Hibben,
Outdoor Life,
27 Feb. 2025
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There were reports of death threats, along with racial epithets, directed at him.—
Louisa Thomas,
The New Yorker,
16 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Byname.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/byname. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
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