adjective

synonymous

sih-NAH-nih-muhs/sɪˈnɑːnɪməs/

Having the same or nearly the same meaning or effect.

“Quick” and “fast” are synonymous when describing a runner’s speed.

Two labeled cards QUICK and FAST beside one running athlete.

Etymology

synGreektogether, same

+onymGreekname

+ousEnglishhaving the quality of

The pieces express “having the same name.” In its application to words, this became equivalence of meaning: different names or expressions can denote the same idea.

In context

Ligonier Ministries16:58

There we have a case of Hebrew poetry of synonymous parallelism, where each sentence means the same thing.

Crucifixion: What Did Jesus Do? - Understanding the Work of Christ with R.C. Sproul

More examples

The editor replaces repeated words with synonymous expressions.
For many travelers, this hotel is synonymous with luxury.
Being busy is not synonymous with being productive.

Forms

synonymous

synonym noun — a word sharing another word’s meaning

Similar words

equivalent: Also compares amounts, values, and effects, not just word meanings.
interchangeable: Emphasizes that one word or thing can replace another.