ˈsɪnənɪm n. 1 a
word or
phrase that means exactly or
nearly the same as
another in the same
language (e.g.
shut and close). 2 a word denoting the same
thing as another but
suitable to a
different context (e.g.
serpent for snake,
Hellene for Greek) or containing a different
emphasis (e.g.
blindworm for slow-worm). 3 a word
equivalent to another in
some but
not all senses (e.g.
ship and vessel). øøsynonymic adj. synonymity n. [ME f. L synonymum f. Gk sunonumon neut. of sunonumos (as
SYN-, onoma name):
cf. ANONYMOUS]