Definition of bynamenext
as in nickname
a descriptive or familiar name given instead of or in addition to the one belonging to an individual Thomas Edward Lawrence is better known to most people by his byname, Lawrence of Arabia

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of byname Robert the Wise was a good teacher — and, as his byname suggests, a good role model. — Anne Thériault, Longreads, 3 July 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for byname
Noun
  • To an uninformed voter, the nickname might suggest that Ehr is of Hispanic descent.
    — Michael Vasquez, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026
  • All of the Slow Horses (a not-so-affectionate nickname for Slough House employees), past and present, are targeted, and Sid goes to River for help.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Soon after, Lewis adopted Risk, who took his surname, at age 21, according to friends and a blurb in the younger Lewis’ funeral program.
    — Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Like other Tigrayans quoted in this story, he is being referred to only by his surname for fear of retaliation by armed groups.
    — Siyanne Mekonnen, Christian Science Monitor, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • In the lawsuit, the family also claimed that an Oaks Christian School teacher accused their son of lying about the harassment after a student called him a racial epithet inside a classroom.
    — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The American Civil Liberties Union sued in February, alleging officers hurled racial epithets, acted violently, and largely withheld food, water, bathrooms and medical care.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • This is the Leeds full-length that sounds most like the previous one, despite the producer typically showing great range even across his individual monikers.
    — Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 27 Oct. 2026
  • When Nick went to present his first big case to clients and the board, he was paralyzed by stuttering, and the firm hired a vocal coach who taught him to sing through the stammer, hence the moniker.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Byname.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/byname. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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