22 Apr What Is a Synonym? Definition and Examples
What Is a Synonym?
A synonym is a word or phrase that
has the same meaning, or a similar meaning, of another word or phrase (e.g.,
good=decent). These terms are found in most of the eight parts of speech of the
English language. As long as a synonym belongs to the same part of speech as
the original word, both terms can be used interchangeably.
A word that has the exact opposite
definition of another word is called an antonym. Some common antonyms include
hot and cold, big and small, and tall and short.
Synonym Examples
The following is a list of synonyms used in a sentence, organized by part of
speech.
Adjective:
Oxygen is essential for survival.
Oxygen is critical for survival.
Noun:
The baby wouldn’t stop crying.
The infant wouldn’t stop crying.
Verb:
Melissa tossed the pillow out of the way.
Melissa threw the pillow out of the way.
Adverb:
Elisa slowly read the words in English.
Elisa gradually read the words in English.
Preposition:
Did you look under the bed?
Did you look below the bed?
Conjunction:
She wanted the red one, but she accepted the blue one.
She wanted the red one. However, she accepted the blue one.
Interjection:
Eek! That’s improper grammar!
Yikes! That’s improper grammar!
Why Use Synonyms
Using synonyms provides benefits
in writing and everyday speaking. In writing, they can help provide variety and
prevent dull, repetitive text, while in speech, they can help improve
communication. They can also provide more clarity. For instance, “boiling water”
is more specific than “hot water.” Some would consider water “hot” at 90
degrees, but water must reach a temperature of approximately 212 degrees to
boil. Therefore, using “boiling” instead of “hot” provides more specific detail
about the temperature of the water.
In addition, synonyms are commonly
used to add formality to speech or written language—or to make a word more informal.
For instance, when communicating with a friend, one might use the informal word
“broke” to describe their financial situation. However, if they wanted to be
more formal, they might use the word “destitute.”
How to Find Synonyms
An online or physical thesaurus is
a great tool for finding synonyms. Just as with a dictionary, words are
organized in alphabetical order in a thesaurus. However, instead of a
definition, a list of equivalent terms appears after each word. An online
dictionary can also be a great source for synonyms, as many include a few
synonyms next to the definition for certain words. Many online word processors
like Microsoft Word and Google Docs also provide a list of synonyms. These
lists can be easily accessed simply by highlighting a word.
More Examples of Synonyms
Ambitious: determined,
ruthless
And: also, in addition to
Associate: partner,
friend
Beautiful: gorgeous,
attractive
Compliant: obedient,
submissive
Confusing: unclear,
puzzling
Different: distinct,
contrasting
Difficult:
challenging, hard
Essay: dissertation, article
Excited: happy, enthusiastic
Fly: drift, soar
Grab: clutch, grasp
Grammar: syntax, linguistics
Hair: fur, mane
Incredible:
unbelievable, fantastic
Insect: bug, pest
Introverted: reclusive,
withdrawn
Jump: hop, leap
Learn: study, acquire
Malevolent: evil, cruel
New: novel, original
Old: dated, ancient
Opportunity: chance,
opening
Over: above, on top of
Pour: empty, transfer
Quickly: rapidly, speedily
Quiz: exam, test
Rich: wealthy, affluent
Smack: slap, spank
Stab: pierce, puncture
Story: tale, anecdote
Lucky: fortunate, blessed
Time: hour, o’clock
Vocabulary: jargon,
dialect
Walk: stride, stroll
Weak: frail, feeble
Work: Labor, toil
Synonyms at a Glance
Synonyms are words that share the
equivalent or similar meaning with other words. These words help provide
variety in writing and speech while adding specificity. Synonyms can also give
writers and speakers more flexibility with how formal or informal they want to
be in their method of communication. A thesaurus is a resource that lists words
in alphabetical order, with a list of synonyms or related concepts next to
them.
