n.
Pronunciation: ' si-n ə - ˌ nim
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English sinonyme, from Latin synonymum, from Greek syn ō nymon, from neuter of syn ō nymos synonymous, from syn- + onyma name ― more at NAME
Date: 15th century
1 : one of two or more words or expressions of the same language that have the same or nearly the same meaning in some or all senses
2 a : a word or phrase that by association is held to embody something (as a concept or quality) <a tyrant whose name has become a synonym for oppression> b : METONYM
3 : one of two or more scientific names used to designate the same taxonomic group ― compare HOMONYM
– syn · o · nym · ic \ ˌ si-n ə - ' ni-mik \ also syn · o · nym · i · cal \ -mi-k ə l \ adjective
– syn · o · nym · i · ty \ - ' ni-m ə -t ē \ noun