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A synonym is a word with the same or a similar meaning as another word. For example, the words big and large are synonyms. Buy and purchase are also synonyms – although we tend to use “buy” in a more informal context, and “purchase” in a more formal context.

Using synonyms provides benefits in writing and everyday speaking. In writing, they can help provide variety and prevent dull, repetitive text, while in speech, they can help improve communication. They can also provide more clarity. For instance, “boiling water” is more specific than “hot water.”

When discussing synonyms, the term antonym often comes up. While synonyms are words with the same or similar meaning, antonyms are words with opposite meanings. For example, an antonym of good is bad, while a synonym of good is fine. Understanding synonyms and antonyms is helpful when using a dictionary or thesaurus.