Synonyms can be any part of speech (such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs or

prepositions), as long as both words belong to the same part of speech. Here are
more examples of English synonyms:
verb
o buy and purchase
adjective
o big and large
adverb
o quickly and speedily
preposition
o on and upon
Note that synonyms are defined with respect to certain senses of words; for
instance, pupil as the aperture in the iris of the eye is not synonymous with student.
Likewise, he expired means the same as he died, yet my passport has expired
cannot be replaced by my passport has died.
In English, many synonyms emerged in the Middle Ages, after the Norman
conquest of England. While England's new ruling class spoke Norman French, the
lower classes continued to speak Old English (Anglo-Saxon). Thus, today we have
synonyms like the Norman-derived people, liberty and archer, and the Saxon-
derived folk, freedom and bowman. For more examples, see the list of Germanic
and Latinate equivalents in English.
Some lexicographers claim that no synonyms have exactly the same meaning (in
all contexts or social levels of language) because etymology, orthography, phonic
qualities, ambiguous meanings, usage, etc. make them unique. Different words that
are similar in meaning usually differ for a reason: feline is more formal than cat;
long and extended are only synonyms in one usage and not in others (for example,
a long arm is not the same as an extended arm). Synonyms are also a source of
euphemisms.
The purpose of a thesaurus is to offer the user a listing of similar or related words;
these are often, but not always, synonyms.
Choosing a Synonym
There is a certain skill involved in choosing the most appropriate synonym, as not
all are created equal. It is important to consider the connotation of the word
because some synonyms can inject a different meaning than the one intended.
For example, one synonym of sad is "gloomy" however, this word carries quite a
negative connotation. Depending on the circumstance you can use it, but if you just
want to say that someone is "down," then another synonym such as "blue" or
"unhappy" would be more applicable.
Here is a list of adjectives and their synonyms that are commonly used to describe
people.
Beautiful: Attractive, Pretty, Lovely, Stunning
Fair: Just, Objective, Impartial, Unbiased
Funny: Humorous, Comical, Hilarious, Hysterical
Happy: Content, Joyful, Mirthful, Upbeat
Hardworking: Diligent, Determined, Industrious, Enterprising
Honest: Honorable, Fair, Sincere, Trustworthy
Intelligent: Smart, Bright, Brilliant, Sharp
Introverted: Shy, Bashful, Quiet, Withdrawn
Kind:Thoughtful, Considerate, Amiable, Gracious
Lazy: Idle, Lackadaisical, Lethargic, Indolent
Mean: Unfriendly, Unpleasant, Bad-tempered, Difficult
Outgoing: Friendly, Sociable, Warm, Extroverted
Rich: Affluent, Wealthy, Well-off, Well-to-do
Strong: Stable, Secure, Solid, Tough
Unhappy: Sad, Depressed, Melancholy, Miserable
Lucky: Auspicious, Fortunate
Positive: Optimistic, Cheerful, Starry-eyed, Sanguine
Bossy: Controlling, Tyrannical
Here are some miscellaneous words and their synonyms:
Baffle: confuse, deceive
Hypocrisy: duplicity, falseness
Pacify: appease, placate
Recalcitrant: obstinate, stubborn
Turbulent: disordered, violent
Valid: authorized, legitimate
Old: antiquated, ancient, obsolete, extinct, past, prehistoric, venerable, aged
True: genuine, reliable, factual, accurate, precise, correct, valid, real
Important: required, substantial, vital, essential, primary, significant,
requisite, critical
Weak: frail, anemic, feeble, infirm, languid, sluggish, puny, fragile
Synonyms Test
Below are a list of synonyms related to the adjectives above. Match the right
synonym with one of the adjectives above.
1. Loaded
2. Disconsolate
3. Stalwart
4. Clever
5. Cute
6. Truthful
7. Beneficent
8. Convivial
9. Virulent
10. Reserved
11. Languid
12. Jocular
13. Benevolent
14. Assiduous
15. Blissful
Answer Key: 1. Rich; 2. Sad; 3. Strong; 4. Intelligent; 5. Beautiful; 6. Honest; 7.
Kind; 8. Outgoing; 9. Mean; 10. Introverted; 11. Lazy; 12. Funny; 13. Fair; 14.
Hardworking; 15. Happy