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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

Derived 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.

June has become synonymous with LGBTQ+ celebrations, corporate campaigns, parades and community events across the country.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2026

Stanley Tucci, who is now arguably as synonymous with food as he is with the movies, nearly broke his self-described policy of not naming restaurants he doesn’t like.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

There is, arguably, no other country in world football more synonymous with one colour than Brazil.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

He often highlights his work on social media and campaign billboards with pictures of his pet corgis, Killa and Kirby, with which he’s become synonymous.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 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

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