synonymous
Americanadjective
adjective
-
(often foll by with) being a synonym (of)
-
closely associated (with) or suggestive (of)
his name was synonymous with greed
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of synonymous
First recorded in 1600–10; from Medieval Latin synōnymus, from Greek synṓnymos, equivalent to syn- prefix + -ōnym- “name, word” + -os adjective suffix; see syn-, -onym, -ous
Explanation
If two words are synonymous, they mean the same thing. You tried to convince her that "love" and "chocolate" were not synonymous, but it was no use. In addition to describing words with the same or similar meanings, you can use the adjective synonymous to describe things that are similar in a more figurative way. Summer is synonymous with picnics, playing outside, and days at the beach. Summer is also synonymous with ants, skinned knees, and sunburn!
Vocabulary lists containing synonymous
100 SAT words Beginning with "S"
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Unit 4: Powerful Openings
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"Ad Power," "Without Commercials," and "What's Wrong with Advertising"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Homeownership was synonymous with success and stability, and buying was affordable.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 2, 2026
The first word is “control”: Egg freezing has become culturally synonymous with controlling fertility and offering women agency.
From Slate ● Aug. 29, 2026
Catering to Hollywood royalty and leaning into its “Showtime” charm, the Lakers became synonymous with the star-studded city.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2026
The seabirds, synonymous with Rathlin Island off County Antrim, are not indigenous to the uninhabited Lighthouse Island, so no population existed there until an introduction scheme was launched around 2013.
From BBC ● Aug. 15, 2026
In my mind, it had become synonymous with freedom.
From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
