Definition & Meaning of "synonymy"

What is "synonymy"?

Synonymy is the linguistic phenomenon where two or more words have similar meanings and can often be used interchangeably in certain contexts. For example, the words "big" and "large" are synonyms because they convey the same idea of size. However, even synonyms can have subtle differences in usage, connotation, or formality. Understanding synonymy is important in language studies as it helps in expanding vocabulary, improving writing style, and enhancing communication by providing choices for expression.