What are Synonyms? Best Practices for Using Synonyms in Writing

Synonyms are a fantastic way to add description and depth to writing. They are words that share meanings which are nearly the same, offering writers an opportunity to vary the vocabulary they use to illustrate a point.

Learn about what synonyms are, how to use them in writing, and get examples of synonyms. Then, review your content with the Originality.ai Grammar Checker to catch any spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors.

What Is a Synonym?

A synonym is one of two or more words or phrases that share the same (or almost) the same meaning and definition. 

For example, a synonym for “big” is “large”. Both words convey the same meaning: describing something of considerable size. Synonyms can be found in all parts of speech, such as adjectives, adverbs, nouns, verbs, and prepositions. 

Synonyms are often used to avoid repetition by using alternative vocabulary and to be more precise with the language used. 

While using synonyms can boost your writing to the next level, it can also cause unique problems in writing.

Let’s look at some common examples of synonyms as well as some common synonym mistakes writers encounter when using a thesaurus in their work.

Examples of synonyms from different parts of speech

Here’s a quick look at some common synonyms from the different parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs):

Nouns:

• House: home, residence, dwelling, abode
• Boss: supervisor, manager, director, principal

Verbs:

• Yell: shout, howl, scream, holler
• Walk: saunter, amble, stride, trudge

Adjectives:

• Good: great, excellent, fine, adequate
• Cold: chilly, freezing, cool, frigid

Adverbs:

• Soon: shortly, presently, promptly, before long
• Softly: faintly, gently, smoothly, quietly

Synonyms and Word Connotations

Not all synonyms are equal. Many words have different connotations that alter the meaning or rather the common interpretation of the word. 

Connotation is a feeling or idea that a certain word suggests or implies, even when it’s not part of the meaning or definition of the word. 

Examples of two synonyms with different connotations are “softly” and “faintly”. Though both describe speaking quietly, “softly” has a kinder, gentler connotation, while “faintly” suggests weakness or feebleness. 

Similarly, the synonyms “yell” and “holler” have slightly different connotations. While the verb “yell” may express emotions like anger or excitement, the verb “holler” has the connotation of being extremely loud.

Synonyms in Context

Synonyms must be considered within the context in which they are being used. Some words are synonymous in certain contexts, but not others. 

Failing to consider the context can cause your writing to sound awkward or change the meaning of the sentence. If a synonym is used in the incorrect context it can indicate to the reader that you aren’t familiar with the word selected.

For example, in the context of a house, you could use the verbs “have” (I have a house) and “own” (I own a house). In this case, the two verbs are synonyms. However, in the context of a job, you can “have” a job, but you cannot “own” a job. 

Examples of synonyms: correct vs. incorrect context

Example 1:

• The bright sun shone cheerfully over the peaceful meadow.
• The blazing sun shone joyfully over the peaceful meadow.

In example 1, the synonym used for “bright” is “blazing”. However, “blazing” has a more negative connotation that is usually used in cases of extreme heat and harsh sunlight. It contradicts the positive sentiment of the first sentence and clashes awkwardly with the adverb “joyfully.”

Example 2:

• They worked diligently on their project to create a remarkable presentation.
• They worked hurriedly on their project to create a phenomenal presentation.

In example 2, the synonym used for “diligently” is “hurriedly”. However, the connotation of “diligently” indicates that someone works hard with care and precision. A group that worked “hurriedly” may have taken less care with their presentation and it may have been rushed (and so less than phenomenal), even though in both cases the group was working hard.

Example 3:

• She slid gracefully across the dance floor.
• She skidded gracefully across the dance floor.

In example 3, the verb “slid” is changed for its synonym, “skidded”. However, the smooth, flowy motion that is indicated with the verb “slid” is replaced by a choppy, out-of-control movement with the verb “skidded”. In this context, the two words are not synonymous, although they are both commonly used to refer to movement over slippery surfaces such as ice.

Overusing Synonyms

Another common mistake writers make is overusing synonyms in their writing. When a writer opts to use synonyms instead of the more common vocabulary choice or plain language for too many words in the sentence, the meaning of the sentence can become difficult to decipher. 

So, when using synonyms in your writing, make sure that the synonym enhances the meaning of your sentences and doesn’t confuse it.

Examples of sentences with too many synonyms

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In each of the above examples, the column of ‘Too Many Synonyms” shows sentences that are obscured by confusing language or rarely used vocabulary. 

This can hinder the impact and meaning of your writing, as the reader is left wondering what a particular word might mean, rather than comprehending the overall meaning of the sentence. 

While the sentences in the “Plain Language” column could use more interesting vocabulary, the overuse in the “Too Many Synonyms” column has stuffed too many interesting words into one phrase. It would be more effective to take one or two synonyms per sentence to create a more attention-grabbing and descriptive sentence. See the table below for examples:

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Final Thoughts: Use Synonyms Confidently

Now that you are prepared to incorporate synonyms in your writing, use these tips to help you employ them confidently. 

1. Use synonyms sparingly. Choose the words that are more important to your sentence or words that you are using frequently in your writing and find synonyms for them. Avoid checking synonyms for every word.
2. Use a dictionary. Use a dictionary along with a thesaurus (physical books or online) to check the meanings and connotations of the synonyms you are unfamiliar with.
3. Ask a friend. If you are unsure if the synonyms you have chosen are clear, ask a friend, or tutor to read your work and let you know if there are any awkward phrases or vocabulary. 

Then, review your writing with the Originality.ai Grammar Checker to catch any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors.

For more insight into grammar best practices, check out our top resources:

• What Are Antonyms? A Complete Guide
• What Are Sentence Modifiers?
• What Is a Predicate?
• What Are Collective Nouns? 40+ Collective Noun Examples