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Synonyms

synonymous

American  
[si-non-uh-muhs] / sɪˈnɒn ə məs /

adjective

  1. having the character of synonyms or a synonym; equivalent in meaning; expressing or implying the same idea.


synonymous British  
/ sɪˈnɒnɪməs /

adjective

  1. (often foll by with) being a synonym (of)

  2. closely associated (with) or suggestive (of)

    his name was synonymous with greed

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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!

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Vocabulary lists containing synonymous

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.

See Examples For:

“His sonorous voice and singular talent will forever be synonymous with indelible performances in every genre,” the statement reads.

From BBC ● Oct. 29, 2026

"His sonorous voice and singular talent will forever be synonymous with indelible performances in every genre," the statement said.

From Barron's ● Oct. 29, 2026

His surname became synonymous with big-money deals, success and opulence despite a string of bankruptcies, casino closures and failed direct-to-consumer businesses.

From Salon ● Oct. 28, 2026

Those resorts were once synonymous with the most generic budget vacations — packed buffets, weak drinks, brightly colored beachfront hotels that vacationers never leave — observed Bernstein analysts in a note on Friday.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 23, 2026

I supposed Him to exist only within the walls of a church—in fact, of our church—and I also supposed that God and safety were synonymous.

From "The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin

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