Synonym
[ˌzynoˈnyːm]neuter
The English word 'synonym' is Synonym in German. Wiktionary also lists Synonymum and Gleichwort.
Meaning: word with same meaning as another (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Synonym | [ˌzynoˈnyːm] (narrow) [ˌsynoˈnyːm] (Austria, narrow) |
neuter |
| Synonymum | neuter | |
| Gleichwort | neuter | |
| bedeutungsgleiches Wort | neuter |
A synonym is a word with same meaning as another (noun).
How does it change in a sentence?
Synonym is a neuter noun, so it takes the article das. The plural form is Synonyme.
Did you know?
- The German word Wort is a doublet of the English word 'verb'. Both descend from a common root meaning 'word' or 'speech'.
- In German legal and administrative texts, the use of a Synonym can sometimes be avoided to prevent ambiguity, as strict terminology is preferred over stylistic variety.
- While Synonym is common in academic settings, you might hear Germans use the compound noun Gleichwort to describe words that are essentially the same.
Examples in context
- Gibt es ein anderes Wort für „Synonym“?Is there another word for synonym?This sentence is useful for asking if there is another word for Synonym.Tatoeba #922089 by Esperantostern, translation #901515 by Spamster
- Beide Wörter sind Äquivalente und haben eine ähnliche Bedeutung.Both words are equivalents and have a similar meaning.
- Diese beiden Wörter sind gleichbedeutend, sie haben die gleiche Bedeutung.These two words are synonymous, they have the same meaning.
- Dieses Synonym hilft mir beim Schreiben.This synonym helps me with my writing.
Example conversation
Two students are working together on a linguistics assignment.
- FelixIst das Wort ein Synonym für „groß“?Is that word a synonym for "large"?
- HannahJa, das ist ein passendes Synonym.Yes, that is a fitting synonym.
- FelixGibt es noch ein anderes Synonym?Is there another synonym?
- HannahIch glaube, das ist das einzige.I think that is the only one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “synonym” translations and entries Synonym, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Synonym, Wort, synonym, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
