English Synonyms: Meaning, Examples and Practice
What are synonyms in English? Synonyms are words with the same or similar meanings. Explore common English synonyms, learn how they differ in context, listen to pronunciation and practise with flashcards and a quiz.
What are synonyms?
Synonyms are words that share a meaning, such as big and large, or happy and glad. They are not always interchangeable. For example, tiny is much stronger than small, while thrilled expresses more excitement than excited.
Synonyms for excited
Common synonyms for excited include thrilled, enthusiastic and eager, depending on context. “I'm thrilled about the concert” expresses strong excitement, while “I'm eager to start” emphasizes anticipation.
Learn synonyms by level
Browse word pairs, listen to pronunciation, and read short examples. The levels are approximate learning groups rather than official CEFR classifications.
Most common English synonyms
The house has a large garden.
We live in a small village.
I'm glad you came.
She felt unhappy about the news.
We need a quick answer.
She is an intelligent student.
What a pretty dress!
He was furious about the mistake.
We're thrilled about the trip.
You did a great job.
The weather was awful.
This is a simple exercise.
That question is difficult.
Let's begin the lesson.
We can finish the task today.
Could you assist me?
Please inquire at reception.
She replied to my email.
You can purchase tickets online.
Please select an option.
Shut the window, please.
Your answer is right.
That is a risky decision.
They live in a huge house.
He is a well-known writer.
She was kind to everyone.
The story was amusing.
It was a significant change.
This book is fascinating.
She is looking for work.
I can see the mountains.
I found an error in the report.
The station is close to our house.
They visited an ancient castle.
The room was silent.
The wealthy family donated money.
The child was afraid of the dark.
The screen displays the results.
The engine is powerful.
I'm exhausted after the journey.
Beginner synonyms (A1–A2)
We're nearly ready.
I'd like to come too.
The machine is constantly running.
It's an attractive design.
The meeting will commence at nine.
The firefighter was courageous.
The lake looked peaceful.
Keep your desk tidy.
She is a bright child.
It's chilly this morning.
This soup is tasty.
The two designs are distinct.
His shoes were filthy.
I like reading in the evening.
We have sufficient time.
We had a wonderful day.
She gave a cry of fright.
I bought her a birthday present.
He sounded cheerful today.
She tried to conceal the letter.
Please give me a truthful answer.
He injured his ankle.
The building is huge.
He spent an idle afternoon at home.
The train departs at six.
A tiny bird landed nearby.
The restaurant was noisy.
We were fortunate to get tickets.
Perhaps it will rain.
Her handwriting is tidy.
We had a pleasant conversation.
The patient made a rapid recovery.
Keep your passport in a secure place.
The film was frightening.
She was ill last week.
We enjoyed an unhurried lunch.
The bus came to a halt.
That is an odd question.
I'm certain about the answer.
Can we speak later?
Intermediate synonyms (B1–B2)
She achieved her goal.
We need precise measurements.
He confessed his mistake.
Exercise has many benefits.
The noise irritates me.
The answer was obvious.
We tried a different method.
We reached the hotel at noon.
We cannot guarantee a result.
Good planning can prevent delays.
Be cautious on icy roads.
They altered the schedule.
We gathered information.
Please finish the form.
The plans may clash.
That was a thoughtful gift.
There was continuous noise.
We need to reduce waste.
This glass is fragile.
The teacher showed us how.
The fog vanished quickly.
The flood was a catastrophe.
She revealed the truth.
The outcome is uncertain.
He's keen to learn.
The guide stresses safety.
We met some challenges.
Sleep is vital for health.
We will assess the results.
That's precisely what I meant.
There was intense competition.
We were lucky to escape.
She often works late.
She has a giving nature.
It's an authentic document.
Don't disregard the warning.
The changes enhance readability.
Timing is crucial.
They raised the price.
Please notify the office.
The doctor examined his hand.
He is a bright student.
We must preserve the building.
The instructions are clear.
The rules allow visitors.
She convinced him to stay.
They forecast heavy rain.
The fence guards the entrance.
She's a dependable colleague.
I can't recall his name.
Please respond by Friday.
We need more information.
That was an impolite remark.
Choose the correct answer.
This is an important finding.
I propose a new plan.
It's a short-term solution.
This is a reliable source.
It's a rare opportunity.
Time is precious.
Advanced synonyms (C1–C2)
Food was plentiful that year.
The instructions were unclear.
It was a demanding journey.
She made a shrewd investment.
The kind-hearted donor helped us.
She gave a frank answer.
He presented a logical argument.
She made a persuasive case.
Keep your response brief.
The change was noticeable.
The story was believable.
Pollution is harmful to wildlife.
He is a hardworking researcher.
She gave a detailed explanation.
He's an articulate speaker.
A distinguished scientist visited.
We need a fair solution.
The delay could worsen the problem.
We need a practical plan.
They adopted an economical approach.
An approaching storm worried them.
The constant noise was distracting.
Some delays are unavoidable.
It's a complex system.
She conducted a thorough review.
The software is outdated.
That sounds believable.
She offered a practical solution.
The experience had a deep impact.
The team was adaptable.
We need to examine the figures.
They made considerable progress.
These are provisional dates.
Smartphones are widespread.
Guards remained watchful.
She gave a striking description.
Search the English synonym list
Use the search above to find synonyms and their example sentences. All pairs are included in the page HTML, so the list remains readable without JavaScript.
Synonyms may differ in strength, tone, formality and grammatical use. Always check the whole sentence before replacing a word.
English synonyms flashcards
Think of a synonym before revealing the answer.
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English synonyms quiz
Enter a synonym for each word. Answer 10 questions and check your score.
How to use English synonyms correctly
Meaning and intensity
Excited and thrilled are similar, but thrilled is stronger. Likewise, small and tiny are not always equivalent.
Context and word combinations
We commonly say strong coffee, not powerful coffee, even though strong and powerful can describe similar qualities.
Formal and informal English
Purchase is more formal than buy. Commence is more formal than begin. Choose the word that fits the situation.
Practice with examples
Write one sentence using each synonym, read it aloud and compare the meanings. Use flashcards to practise recall, then take the quiz.
Frequently asked questions about synonyms
What is a synonym in English?
A synonym is a word with the same or a similar meaning as another word, such as big and large.
What are synonyms for excited?
Depending on context, you can use thrilled, enthusiastic or eager.
Can synonyms always replace each other?
No. Synonyms can differ in intensity, formality, grammar and common word combinations.