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
- nonsynonymous adjective
- nonsynonymously adverb
- synonymously adverb
- synonymousness noun
- unsynonymous adjective
- unsynonymously adverb
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; 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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"Ad Power," "Without Commercials," and "What's Wrong with Advertising"
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Unit 4: Powerful Openings
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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.
However, research is increasingly showing that these so-called synonymous codons are not truly equal.
From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026
While Hollywood is synonymous with the Oscars, the ceremony has not always been held there.
From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026
Robert S. Mueller III, the former FBI director and special counsel whose name became synonymous with the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, died Friday at age 81.
From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026
So why have England become so synonymous with the boot?
From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026
The name he shouted was that of the TV character most synonymous with the archetypical skinny, ineffectual, small-town policeman.
From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover
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.
