Synonymous is an adjective meaning having the same or nearly the same meaning as another word or phrase. It is used to describe words, expressions, or ideas that convey very similar meanings, often interchangeable in many contexts, though subtle nuances may differ. The term emphasizes equivalence of meaning rather than identity of form.
"Her statement is synonymous with a warning about the risks involved."
"In modern usage, ‘rapid’ is largely synonymous with ‘fast’ in everyday speech."
"The two theories are not strictly synonymous, but their core ideas overlap."
"To many readers, the word ‘inexpensive’ is almost synonymous with ‘cheap,’ though it carries a softer tone."
Synonymous comes from the late 15th century via Late Latin synonymousus, from Greek homós “same” and onoma “name.” The root homós appears in many cognates meaning “same” or “similar.” The suffix -nym derives from Greek -onyma meaning “name,” as in synonyms (same-name words) and antonyms (opposite-name words). The term entered English through scholarly discourse on language and logic, aligning with the rise of precision vocabularies in philology. Over time, synonymous broadened from strict linguistic sense to describe ideas, meanings, or concepts with near-identical sense across contexts, not just lexical items. First known uses appear in Renaissance philology texts discussing lexical relationships, with widespread adoption in dictionaries and linguistic treatises in the 18th and 19th centuries, cementing synonymous as a standard adjective label for semantic similarity across words and phrases.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "synonymous" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "synonymous" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "synonymous"
-ous sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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Pronounced si-NON-uh-muhs, with the primary stress on the second syllable: /ˌsɪˈnɒnɪməs/. The first syllable is /ˌsɪ/ or /sɪ/ depending on pace, the second carries the stress. The third and fourth syllables are light: /ˈnɒn/ and /ɪ/ then final /məs/. For careful articulation, begin with a clear “si-” prefix, then a strong “NON” and a soft “uh-muss.” Audio reference: you can compare with dictionaries' audio to hear the stressed second syllable. Keywords: stress, syllable, schwa, rhotics not involved.
Common mistakes include misplacing the stress (putting emphasis on the first or third syllable) and mispronouncing the /ɒ/ as a broader /ɑ/ or incorrectly vocalizing the final /əs/ as /əs/ rather than /ɪəs/ or /əs/. Correction: place primary stress on the second syllable: si-NON-uh-muhs, ensure the /ɒ/ vowel is the short ‘o’ like in ‘not,’ and finish with a light /məs/ rather than a heavier /məs/ in some accents.
In US/UK/AU, the core syllables are /ˌsɪˈnɒnɪməs/. US tends to rhoticity in connected speech; however, for this word, the rhotic /r/ is not present. UK and AU typically have non-rhotic accents; the /ɒ/ in /ˈnɒn/ is rounded and may be pronounced closer to /ɒ/ or /ɔ/ depending on speaker. The ending /məs/ is light and quick in US and UK; Australian often has slightly wider diphthongs in /ɪ/ and a more clipped /s/.
It challenges non-native speakers due to the sequence /ˌsɪˈnɒnɪməs/: a stressed mid-stressed pattern across four syllables, with a short /ɒ/ followed by a subtle /ən/ and a final /məs/. The cluster /ˈnɒn/ can tempt a longer vowel or different lip rounding. Also, the medial /nɒn/ requires clear enunciation of the nasal consonant with a separate syllable boundary. Practicing the exact syllable timing helps avoid slurring.
Does 'Synonymous' have any silent letters impacting its pronunciation? No silent letters in standard pronunciation. Each letter contributes to syllable count: si-non-o-mous, with primary stress on the second syllable. Attention should be given to crisp vowel sounds (/ɪ/ in the first syllable, /ɒ/ in the second) and a lighter /məs/ at the end. Ensuring you don’t blend the second and third syllables helps maintain clarity.
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