Synonym
/ˈsɪn.ə.nɪm/noun
A word having the same or nearly the same meaning as another word.
Did you know?The concept of synonyms dates back to ancient Greek philosophy, where words were seen as powerful identifiers of reality, shaping thought itself.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
συνώνυμος (synōnymos)
“Having the same name or term.”
Late Latin
Latin
synonymus
“Of the same name, equivalent.”
Medieval Latin
Medieval Latin
synonymum
“A word of similar meaning.”
14th Century
Middle English
synnoun
“A word that has the same meaning as another.”
Modern English
English
synonym
“A term for a word that shares meaning with another.”