What is a synonym?

A synonym is a word that is similar in meaning to another word. This understanding is fundamental in vocabulary development, as it allows individuals to expand their language use and effectiveness in communication. Synonyms enrich language by providing alternatives that can convey the same or similar ideas, enabling more varied and nuanced expression. For instance, using "happy" instead of "joyful" maintains the same sentiment while offering a different choice of words. Recognizing synonyms assists readers and writers in enhancing their vocabulary and improving their comprehension of texts.