SYNONYM 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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Example Sentences

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 Until this additional proposition is demonstrated, agency and intention cannot simply be treated as synonyms. — Hamilton Mann, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 However, salt and sodium aren’t synonyms—and knowing the difference matters for making healthy food choices. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 17 Aug. 2026 Simply replacing common words with synonyms or antonyms would be too easy for a smart scraper to reverse. — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026 Which is why people are still talking about Mangione’s case, using his name as a synonym for the verb to kill, and mirroring aspects of his alleged crime, more than a year later. — Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for synonym

Recent Examples of Synonyms for synonym

Noun

So language modeling seems to be merely a powerful component of human cognition, not its equivalent or source.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026
Before the war, a room at the hotel had cost the equivalent of five euros a night.

— Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of equivalent

Noun

In effect, an alternative to the Hollywood model, based out of Europe.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026
Offering more coverage than a traditional low-cut vamp silhouette, the high-vamp pump trend has emerged in recent times as a stylish contemporary alternative presented by brands like Tory Burch, Chanel, Monsieur Gavriel, Naturalizer and Khaite.

— Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of alternative

Noun

Fight to Unite might appear to be a substitute for the missing Las Vegas festival, but bringing Punk Rock Bowling to Los Angeles has been discussed for years.

— Dick Slaughter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
There is no substitute for the human connection, human thought, human nuance.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of substitute

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synonym

synonymous

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Style

“Synonym.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/synonym. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of synonym

noun

Example Sentences

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