Synonym vs. Synonymous — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 2, 2024
A synonym is a word having the same or nearly the same meaning as another, whereas synonymous is an adjective describing such a relationship.
Difference Between Synonym and Synonymous
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A synonym refers to any word that can be interchanged with another without changing the meaning significantly, such as "happy" and "joyful." On the other hand, synonymous is used to describe a condition or situation where two words, phrases, or symbols mean the same thing or are equivalent, as in the expression "fear and dread are synonymous."
Synonyms are generally nouns or adjectives that specifically name or label other words, like "big" is a synonym for "large." Whereas synonymous, always an adjective, describes the quality or state of being a synonym, as in "The terms 'wealthy' and 'rich' are synonymous."
When discussing vocabulary, synonyms help expand it by providing multiple options for a single concept, thus avoiding repetition. Conversely, the term synonymous often appears in broader linguistic or literary discussions to highlight how different expressions convey identical or nearly identical meanings.
Synonyms are crucial in the context of learning languages, where they facilitate a deeper understanding and more versatile expression. On the other hand, knowing when terms are synonymous allows speakers and writers to maintain precision and clarity in their communications.
In language education, synonyms are listed and learned as individual words with similar meanings, e.g., "quick" and "fast." On the other hand, synonymous is taught through phrases or usage examples to illustrate the concept, such as explaining that "The sentences 'He quickly ran to the store' and 'He ran swiftly to the store' are synonymous."
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Adjective
Function
Naming another word with a similar meaning
Describing the relationship of similarity between words
Usage in Sentence
"Fast" is a synonym for "quick."
"Fast and quick are synonymous."
Focus
On the word itself
On the relationship between words
Educational Context
Used to enhance vocabulary
Used to teach nuanced language understanding
Compare with Definitions
Synonym
A word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word.
Beautiful is a synonym for attractive.
Synonymous
Used to indicate equivalence in terms and phrases.
Broke and penniless are synonymous.
Synonym
In thesauruses, entries are organized by synonyms.
Intelligent finds synonyms like smart and clever.
Synonymous
Describing words that share the same meanings.
Agile and nimble are synonymous.
Synonym
Used to prevent repetitive word usage in prose.
He whispered quietly, where quietly is a synonym for softly.
Synonymous
Indicates interchangeable terms in technical settings.
SSL and TLS are synonymous in security protocols.
Synonym
A rhetorical device to enrich text.
The celestial body, as a synonym for the sun.
Synonymous
Pertaining to symbols that convey the same message.
The signs '♻' and 'recycle' are synonymous.
Synonym
A term used in linguistic studies to refer to similar lexical items.
Error is a synonym for mistake.
Synonymous
In literary analysis, describes themes or motifs that carry the same connotation.
Love and passion often appear synonymous in poetry.
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.
Synonymous
Having the character of a synonym
Synonymous words.
Synonymous species.
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’
Synonymous
Equivalent in connotation
"a widespread impression that ... Hollywood was synonymous with immorality" (Doris Kearns Goodwin).
Synonym
A word having the same or nearly the same meaning as another word or other words in a language.
Synonymous
Having an identical meaning.
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).
Synonymous
Having a similar meaning.
Synonym
(Biology) One of two or more scientific names that have been applied to the same species or other taxonomic group.
Synonymous
(construed with with) Of, or being a synonym.
Synonym
A word whose meaning is the same as that of another word.
Synonymous
Such that both its forms yield the same sequenced protein.
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”.
Synonymous
Having the character of a synonym; expressing the same thing; conveying the same, or approximately the same, idea.
These words consist of two propositions, which are not distinct in sense, but one and the same thing variously expressed; for wisdom and understanding are synonymous words here.
Synonym
(zoology) Any of the formal names for a taxon, including the valid name (i.e. the senior synonym).
Synonymous
(of words) meaning the same or nearly the same
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 does synonymous mean?
Synonymous is an adjective describing a scenario where two or more words have the same or nearly the same meaning.
How do synonyms enhance writing?
Synonyms help avoid repetitive word use and enrich the text, making it more engaging and precise.
How can I find synonyms for a word?
Using a thesaurus or dictionary can provide a list of synonyms for any given word.
Why are synonyms important in language learning?
Synonyms expand a learner’s vocabulary and help them understand subtle differences in word meanings.
What is a synonym?
A synonym is a word that means exactly or nearly the same as another word in the same language.
Can a phrase be synonymous?
Yes, phrases can be synonymous if they convey the same meaning.
Are synonymous and identical the same?
No, synonymous means very similar or having an equivalent meaning, whereas identical means exactly the same.
Can synonyms be used interchangeably in all contexts?
Not always, as some synonyms can have slightly different connotations or typical usage depending on context.
What role do synonyms play in SEO?
Using synonyms can help improve a website’s search engine visibility by matching with more search queries.
Are synonyms culture-specific?
Some synonyms can have cultural nuances that affect their use and understanding in different regions.
Is there a difference between synonyms and antonyms?
Yes, synonyms have similar meanings, while antonyms have opposite meanings.
Can a word have more than one synonym?
Yes, many words have multiple synonyms, each varying slightly in meaning.
How are synonyms taught in schools?
Synonyms are often taught through vocabulary exercises, writing assignments, and the use of thesauruses.
Do synonyms evolve over time?
Yes, the use and popularity of synonyms can change over time with shifts in language use.
How do I choose the best synonym for a sentence?
Consider the context and the slight nuances in meaning and connotation among synonyms.
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Written 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.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
