# ten-cent word

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/ten-cent-word
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A short and common word used in place of a longer and more uncommon one.

## Examples

- Don't use a ten-cent word when a fancy one works better.
- He prefers to use a ten-cent word instead of a complex term so that everyone understands his point.
- While the professor favored academic jargon, the student preferred a ten-cent word to ensure the core message remained accessible to the entire audience.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.