Synonym vs. Metonymy — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 24, 2024
A synonym is a word with a similar meaning to another word, while metonymy is a figure of speech where a thing is referred to by the name of something closely associated with it.
Difference Between Synonym and Metonymy
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Synonyms are words that have the same or nearly the same meaning as another word in the same language, used to add variety to speech or writing. On the other hand, metonymy involves using a related term to stand in for an object or concept, such as using "the White House" to refer to the U.S. executive branch.
While synonyms enhance clarity or avoid repetition in language, metonymy serves a stylistic function, enhancing imagery or conceptual linkage without changing the basic meaning of what is being discussed. In contrast, synonyms can be used interchangeably in appropriate contexts without altering the meaning of a sentence.
Synonymy is a lexical relationship between words, straightforward and based on semantic similarity. Conversely, metonymy is a rhetorical technique that relies on symbolic, often culturally understood, associations between different concepts.
The use of synonyms is common in everyday language to help convey precise meanings or simply to vary diction. Metonymy, however, is particularly favored in literary and formal contexts to evoke imagery or subtly imply connections that go beyond the literal meanings of words.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A word that means the same as another word in the same language.
A figure of speech where a thing is referred to by something closely related to it.
ADVERTISEMENT
Function
Enhances clarity, avoids repetition.
Creates symbolic linkage, enhances imagery.
Example
"Happy" is a synonym for "joyful."
"The White House" as a metonymy for the U.S. executive branch.
Usage
Common in everyday and academic language.
Often used in literary and formal contexts.
Relation
Semantic similarity.
Conceptual or contextual association.
Compare with Definitions
Synonym
Often language-specific and context-dependent.
Childish and youthful are synonyms but have different connotations.
Metonymy
Often used to convey broader meanings or social contexts.
Hollywood is commonly used as a metonymy for the U.S. film industry.
Synonym
Used to avoid repetition and enrich language.
He was elated, joyful, and happy.
Metonymy
Relies on deep cultural or contextual associations.
He has a keen blade, referring to someone's sharp wit.
Synonym
Can be found in thesauruses as alternatives to other words.
Intelligent synonyms include smart, clever, and bright.
Metonymy
Enhances literary expression and depth.
The Oval Office metonymically represents the decisions made by the U.S. president.
Synonym
Some pairs are absolute, while others are more nuanced.
Fast and quick are generally synonymous in usage.
Metonymy
Cannot be used interchangeably like synonyms.
Crown in reference to royalty cannot be replaced by hat without losing the intended meaning.
Synonym
A word having the same or nearly the same meaning as another.
Big is a synonym for large.
Metonymy
A figure of speech in which a related term is substituted for the word itself.
The pen is mightier than the sword.
Synonym
A synonym is a word, morpheme, or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word, morpheme, or phrase in the same language. For example, the words begin, start, commence, and initiate are all synonyms of one another; they are synonymous.
Metonymy
Metonymy () is a figure of speech in which a thing or concept is referred to by the name of something closely associated with that thing or concept.
Synonym
A word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language, for example shut is a synonym of close
‘the East’ was a synonym for the Soviet empire
‘shut’ is a synonym of ‘close’
Metonymy
A figure of speech in which one word or phrase is substituted for another with which it is closely associated, as in the use of Washington for the United States government or of the sword for military power.
Synonym
A word having the same or nearly the same meaning as another word or other words in a language.
Metonymy
(rhetoric) The use of a single characteristic or part of an object, concept or phenomenon to identify the entire object, concept, phenomenon or a related object.
Synonym
A word or expression that serves as a figurative or symbolic substitute for another
"Romeo has become a synonym for any youthful lover" (Harry Levin).
Metonymy
(countable) A metonym.
Synonym
(Biology) One of two or more scientific names that have been applied to the same species or other taxonomic group.
Metonymy
A trope in which one word is put for another that suggests it; as, we say, a man keeps a good table instead of good provisions; we read Virgil, that is, his poems; a man has a warm heart, that is, warm affections; a city dweller has no wheels, that is, no automobile.
Synonym
A word whose meaning is the same as that of another word.
Metonymy
Substituting the name of an attribute or feature for the name of the thing itself (as in `they counted heads')
Synonym
A word or phrase with a meaning that is the same as, or very similar to, another word or phrase.
“Happy” is a synonym of “glad”.
Synonym
(zoology) Any of the formal names for a taxon, including the valid name (i.e. the senior synonym).
Synonym
Any name for a taxon, usually a validly published, formally accepted one, but often also an unpublished name.
Synonym
(databases) An alternative (often shorter) name defined for an object in a database.
Synonym
One of two or more words (commonly words of the same language) which are equivalents of each other; one of two or more words which have very nearly the same signification, and therefore may often be used interchangeably. See under Synonymous.
All languages tend to clear themselves of synonyms as intellectual culture advances, the superfluous words being taken up and appropriated by new shades and combinations of thought evolved in the progress of society.
His name has thus become, throughout all civilized countries, a synonym for probity and philanthropy.
In popular literary acceptation, and as employed in special dictionaries of such words, synonyms are words sufficiently alike in general signification to be liable to be confounded, but yet so different in special definition as to require to be distinguished.
Synonym
An incorrect or incorrectly applied scientific name, as a new name applied to a species or genus already properly named, or a specific name preoccupied by that of another species of the same genus; - so used in the system of nomenclature (which see) in which the correct scientific names of certain natural groups (usually genera, species, and subspecies) are regarded as determined by priority.
Synonym
One of two or more words corresponding in meaning but of different languages; a heteronym.
Synonym
Two words that can be interchanged in a context are said to be synonymous relative to that context
Common Curiosities
What role do synonyms play in writing?
Synonyms help to avoid repetition, enrich text, and improve readability and comprehension.
Can metonymy be found in everyday speech?
Yes, common phrases like "the White House said" instead of "the President said" are examples of metonymy.
What is an example of metonymy in poetry?
Referring to the sea as "the deep" is a metonymic usage that enhances thematic depth.
How do synonyms and metonymies differ in function?
Synonyms clarify or simplify communication, while metonymies enrich it by introducing symbolic and thematic layers.
What is the main difference between a synonym and metonymy?
Synonyms share similar meanings, while metonymy involves substituting a word with a related concept or object.
How does metonymy enhance language?
Metonymy adds a layer of symbolism and depth, making language more vivid and layered.
Can synonyms and metonymies be used interchangeably?
No, synonyms can often be used interchangeably, whereas metonymies cannot due to their symbolic meanings.
Why is understanding synonyms important?
It broadens vocabulary and enhances both verbal and written communication skills.
What makes metonymy effective in rhetoric?
It allows speakers and writers to convey complex ideas succinctly and powerfully.
Are synonyms always exact matches?
Not always; some synonyms can have slightly different connotations or usage contexts.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Handbook vs. Book
Next Comparison
Joist vs. StudAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
