synonymous

adjective

syn·​on·​y·​mous sə-ˈnä-nə-məs How to pronounce synonymous (audio)
Synonyms of synonymous
1
: having the character of a synonym
also : alike in meaning or significance
2
: having the same connotations, implications, or reference
To runners, Boston is synonymous with marathon …—Runner's World
synonymously adverb

Examples of synonymous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Sweet, mildly tart, and crisp, lemonade is synonymous with summers in the South. — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 3 July 2026 But packing light isn’t typically synonymous with bringing an extra, bulky beach bag in your carry-on. — Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 July 2026 Decomposing food can release hydrogen sulfide, a toxic gas synonymous with landfills and garbage. — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Like the building itself, the city of Miami has to some extent become synonymous with the Cuban exile community. — Ada Ferrer, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for synonymous

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of synonymous was in 1610

Rhymes for synonymous

See All Rhymes for synonymous

Browse Nearby Words

synonymize
synonymous
synonymy
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Cite this Entry

“Synonymous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/synonymous. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

synonymous

adjective
syn·​on·​y·​mous sə-ˈnän-ə-məs How to pronounce synonymous (audio)
1
: alike in meaning
2
: suggesting the same thing
a brand name that is synonymous with quality
synonymously adverb
Etymology

from Latin synonymus "synonymous," from Greek synōnymos, literally, "having the same name," from syn- "together, along with" and onyma, onoma "name" — related to anonymous, symposium, synagogue, synchronous

More from Merriam-Webster on synonymous

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for synonymous

Nglish: Translation of synonymous for Spanish Speakers

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