What do we call words that have similar meanings?

Words that have similar meanings are referred to as synonyms. This term comes from the Greek word "synonymon," which means "having the same name." Synonyms can enhance vocabulary by allowing for more nuanced expression, helping speakers and writers avoid repetition and choose the most precise word for a given context. For instance, the words "happy" and "joyful" are synonyms because they convey similar feelings of positivity.

In contrast, antonyms are words that have opposite meanings, such as "hot" and "cold." Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and often different spellings, like "pair" and "pear." Paronyms are words that are related in form but different in meaning, such as "affect" and "effect." Understanding these distinctions can help further develop language skills and improve reading comprehension.