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Glite Dictionary
synonymity

synonymity

1 8.2
A situation where two words have the same or very similar meaning
  • noun
  • /sɪˈnɒnɪmɪti/
  • Specialized
: sinonimia
  • In linguistics, synonymity refers to the relationship where two words have the same or nearly the same meaning, such as 'big' and 'large'.

Examples

  • Rank inversions do not necessitate confusion because of synonymity and resolution level.

    Academic text (1990)

  • The severed limbs, which serve as symbols of dismemberment, also come to serve as symbols of truncated synecdoche, suggesting synonymity between the barbarous act and the barbarous thought.

    Academic text (2000)

  • The synonymity of 'happy' and 'joyful' makes them interchangeable in many contexts.

  • Teachers often explain synonymity to help students expand their vocabulary by showing how different words can convey similar ideas.

Synonyms

equivalence
vssynonymity
17 6.2

A situation where two things have the same value, meaning, or effect

is specific to words sharing meaning rather than general equality
synonymy
vssynonymity
  • Specialized
1 9.0

A connection where two words have the same or almost the same meaning in some situations

is the condition or quality rather than the relation itself
synonymousness
vssynonymity
9.5

A state when several words have the same meaning

is broader and not limited to one particular context

How Similar

equivalence
17 6.2
synonymity
  • Specialized
1 8.2
relatedness
2 5.5

Surface Forms

synonymity singular
synonymities plural

Morphology

synonymity = synonym (transparent) = synonym + ity

Formed from 'synonym' + the nominalizing suffix '-ity', giving the state or quality of being synonymous; meaning is directly derivable.

Etymology

Synonymity comes from the Greek parts syn- ('together'), -onym ('name'), and the ending -ity ('state'). So synonymity is the 'state of having the same name', which explains why it means when two words have the same or very similar meaning.