# synonymous

/səˈnɑnəməs/ (US) · /sɪnˈɒnɪməs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/synonymous
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. having the same meaning

adjective · CEFR B2

having the same or a very similar meaning as another word.

For teachers: having the same or nearly the same meaning as another word or phrase in the same language.

- In many contexts, the word 'fast' is synonymous with 'quick'.
- Lexicographers often debate whether any two terms are truly synonymous or if subtle register differences always exist between them.

Usage: Usually follows the pattern 'X is synonymous with Y'.

### 2. closely associated

adjective · CEFR B2

so closely connected with something that the two things seem the same.

For teachers: closely associated with or suggestive of a particular quality, idea, or brand.

- For many people, the brand name has become synonymous with luxury.
- The politician's name became synonymous with corruption following the scandal, making a return to public office nearly impossible.

Usage: Often used to describe reputations or brand identities.

### 3. genetics

adjective · CEFR C2 · Technical

describing a change in a gene that does not change the protein it makes.

For teachers: relating to a DNA substitution that does not result in a change to the amino acid sequence of the encoded protein.

- A synonymous mutation usually does not affect the health of the organism.
- The researchers focused on synonymous substitutions to estimate the background mutation rate without the interference of natural selection.

## Examples

- The word 'big' is synonymous with 'large'.
- In many people's minds, the brand name has become synonymous with high quality and luxury.
- While the two terms are often treated as synonymous in casual conversation, technical discourse requires a sharp distinction between 'weather' and 'climate' to avoid scientific inaccuracy.

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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.