bynames

Definition of bynamesnext
plural of byname
as in nicknames
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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bynames
Noun
  • For those who do not recognize their names, maybe their nicknames will help.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 5 Mar. 2026
  • The shape of cup and saucer vine has led to its many nicknames, including cathedral bells and monastery bells.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In sports, some siblings are so accomplished that they can be recognized by only their surnames.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The endless vowels of their surnames—Ruuttu, Saarinen, Ruotsalainen—sail through his mind like a song.
    Boris Fishman, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • On that day, the mob hurled racist epithets, smoke bombs, and fists at him.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 4 Feb. 2026
  • When the time came for Alan Cumming to cease deliberations, Michael was reduced to sputtering epithets in random sequences.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Bynames.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bynames. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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