SYNONYMS Synonyms: 22 Similar and Opposite Words

synonym

noun

Definition of synonym

as in equivalent

a word having the same meaning as another word He needed an synonym for "cold," and decided to use "freezing."

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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.

Recent Examples of synonym Concrete, the structure’s dominant material, may be a synonym for fixed and definite, but the experience within is inescapably fluid. — Leah Ollman, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026 Commentators have taken to treating gay and its synonyms as an insult. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026 Understated elegance is just another synonym for old money and a sleek and simple maxi dress is just that. — Collette Grimes, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026 Of course, fairness and competition aren’t synonyms. — Newsweek Editors, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for synonym

Recent Examples of Synonyms for synonym

Noun

According to research from American Association of Retired Persons, nearly 70% of grandparents provide some level of care for their grandchildren, averaging more than 500 hours annually, or the equivalent of 12-and-a-half weeks of full-time work.

— Medora Lee, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026
Eaton shares are up nearly 4% after Evercore upgraded the electrical equipment maker to a buy-equivalent rating and raised its price target to $502 from $453.

— Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of equivalent

Noun

But the doctor couldn’t recommend a natural alternative that delivered the same results.

— Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
The route is being used by Saudi Arabia to export oil via the Suez Canal north to Europe and down south to Asian markets as an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz.

— Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of alternative

Noun

But the blustery autumn wind is no substitute for the cozy rays of a summer sun.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
Pitulic was employed as a long-term substitute at GCISD since January 2023 and frequently subbed for teachers at Dove Elementary.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026

Definition of substitute

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synods

synonym

synonymous

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Style

“Synonym.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/synonym. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of synonym

noun

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