synonymous
gb/sənˈɑnəməs/ us/sənˈɑnəməs/
B2
English
~ 6900
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
having the same or similar meaning
Describing words or phrases that have the same or almost the same meaning.
Usage pattern:
[word/phrase] is synonymous with [word/phrase]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "synonymous" (adjective) with "synonym" (noun). Correct: "These words are synonymous" or "These words are synonyms." Incorrect: "These words are synonym." Another mistake is writing "have synonymous meaning" instead of "are synonymous" or "have the same meaning."
Synonyms
equivalent (Often used more generally for things that are equal in value or effect, not only for word meanings.)
|
interchangeable (Emphasizes that the words can be swapped without changing the meaning in that context.)
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same-meaning (Informal descriptive phrase, less standard than “synonymous”.)
Antonyms
distinct (Stresses that words have clearly different meanings.)
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opposite (Used when two words have meanings that are directly opposed.)
Collocations
are synonymous
|almost synonymous
|virtually synonymous
|not strictly synonymous
|two synonymous terms
|practically synonymous
Themes
language
|education
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- In this context, the terms "kids" and "children" are synonymous.
- "Smart" is not always synonymous with "wise", even though they are related.
- The two phrases may look similar, but they are not completely synonymous in legal writing.
- Many people treat "pandemic" and "epidemic" as synonymous, but there is an important difference.
- In everyday speech, "film" and "movie" are largely synonymous.
Learner examples
- The words "big" and "large" are almost synonymous.
- In this sentence, "happy" is not synonymous with "excited".
- These two words are synonymous, so you can use either one.
- For many students, "test" and "exam" feel synonymous.
- The teacher said that "start" and "begin" are usually synonymous.
adjective
C1
property
2
strongly associated with a quality
Very strongly connected with a quality or idea, so that people almost think of them as the same.
Usage pattern:
[name/thing] is synonymous with [quality/idea]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use "synonymous" here only for words, but in this sense it is used for people, brands, places, or events: "His name is synonymous with success." Another mistake is dropping "with": it should be "synonymous with", not "synonymous to" or "synonymous of" in standard modern English.
Synonyms
closely associated (More general and descriptive; lacks the strong fixed-link feeling of "synonymous with".)
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equated (Suggests people treat two things as equal, but can imply an oversimplification.)
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emblematic (More formal and literary; emphasizes symbolic representation rather than mental equivalence.)
Antonyms
unrelated (Indicates that there is no clear connection between the two things.)
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dissociated (Suggests that a previous connection has been actively broken or rejected.)
Collocations
be synonymous with success
|be synonymous with quality
|be synonymous with failure
|become synonymous with
|almost synonymous with
|virtually synonymous with
Themes
reputation
|culture
|evaluations
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- His name is synonymous with innovation in the tech industry.
- For many travelers, that airline is synonymous with poor service.
- In some regions, fast food has become synonymous with modern life.
- The brand aims to be synonymous with reliability and trust.
- The city’s nightlife is almost synonymous with loud music and crowded bars.
Learner examples
- Her cooking is synonymous with home and comfort for me.
- Today, his company is synonymous with high quality phones.
- For some people, money is synonymous with happiness.
- In this country, that logo is synonymous with cheap products.
- For many fans, his voice is synonymous with the band.
Grammar
Dictionary form
synonymous
IPA
GB/sənˈɑnəməs/
US/sənˈɑnəməs/
Syllables & stress
syn - onym - ous (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (onym)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: synonymous
Word family
Expressions
be synonymous with
1/bˈi sənˈɑnəməs wˈɪθ/
fixed phrase
be strongly associated with something
To be so closely connected with a quality, idea, or thing that people almost think they are the same.
Examples
- For many people, their family name is synonymous with tradition.
- In some cities, rush hour is synonymous with stress and noise.
- That logo is synonymous with luxury around the world.