SYNONYMS 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 Concrete, the structure’s dominant material, may be a synonym for fixed and definite, but the experience within is inescapably fluid. — Leah Ollman, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026 Commentators have taken to treating gay and its synonyms as an insult. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026 Understated elegance is just another synonym for old money and a sleek and simple maxi dress is just that. — Collette Grimes, InStyle, 10 Feb. 2026 Of course, fairness and competition aren’t synonyms. — Newsweek Editors, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for synonym

Recent Examples of Synonyms for synonym

Noun

The states, the WGA and Paramount later entered a stipulation to delay the merger — the functional equivalent of a preliminary injunction — which did not include any bond requirement.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
For services businesses, the equivalent is software subscriptions and vendor contracts that renewed automatically last year and will renew again this year unless someone actually looks.

— Nick Chandi, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of equivalent

Noun

Replacing today’s one-dimensional UPC labels with two-dimensional QR-code-like alternatives could unlock some serious advantages for stores, manufacturers and consumers.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
At centre-back, the first-choice pairing looks like Micky van de Ven and new arrival Jan Paul van Hecke, with Marcos Senesi and Kevin Danso as experienced alternatives.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of alternative

Noun

The government’s $600 million per year pledge, though appreciated and welcome, is not a substitute for durable, legally enforceable contribution obligations.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026
These systems are the most futuristic pieces of the renovation, but Korem presents them as additions to a much larger recovery program—not substitutes for foundational work.

— Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of synonym

noun

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