It’s something you learn as one of the most basic tools when it comes to writing: use synonyms, avoid repeating words! It’s one of the most common corrections made by editors, and yet there’s more to it than that: not everything that looks like a synonym actually is one.#novum
Whenever one asks what makes a good writer, the answer one invariably receives is somewhat vague. A good command of language and writing style? Opinions differ as to what exactly this entails, and there does not seem to be a clearly defined definition for it either.
Among the elements that frequently crop up in this context are synonyms. They are arguably one of the more tangible, concrete characteristics of good style, and it is not without reason that their use is repeatedly recommended – be it in a work of fiction, an online article or even academic papers.
But it is not quite that simple. The use of synonyms does not automatically make a text better. These words, which are supposedly synonymous, have their pitfalls, which are often only apparent on closer inspection. One word is not always a suitable substitute for another, and it does not always make sense to vary the terminology at all. Synonyms, too, must be used sparingly and judiciously: ill-considered use can lead to a lack of clarity or misunderstandings.
What are synonyms?
Most writers are clear on this point: to put it simply, synonyms are words with the same meaning. They can be used interchangeably without significantly altering the core message of a sentence.
In fact, however, the definition goes deeper than that. Linguistics distinguishes, for example, between full and partial synonyms. In language, the principle is to be efficient and to avoid redundancy as far as possible – and what could be more redundant than two words that mean the same thing? From this perspective, it is not surprising that there are far fewer complete synonyms than is commonly thought. Many words that one might consider to be synonyms nevertheless differ in the subtlest nuances of meaning. These sometimes go beyond the mere meaning of the word and also take tone into account. Some words are more formal, whilst others are colloquial and therefore suggest a different context when used. There are also dialectal differences, such as between ‘autumn’ and ‘fall’.
That is why, in many cases, we tend to speak of ‘semantically similar’ – or ‘partial’ – synonyms rather than synonyms with exactly the same meaning.
Synonyms are among the most important stylistic devices in a living language. They enable thoughts to be expressed in different ways and add variety to one’s writing. This is precisely why they are frequently recommended in writing courses and style guides. However, their use must always be deliberate and well-considered; one must ask oneself whether the word really conveys what one wishes to say, or whether there is a more precise alternative or one more appropriate to the context.
The advantages of synonyms
The benefits of using synonyms are surely obvious. Anyone who has written a book and subsequently had it edited will no doubt have come across the comment ‘word repetition’, and will probably have chided themselves for failing to notice something so obvious. Synonyms allow you to use different words to express and clarify your thoughts, avoid repetition and make the flow of language more pleasant and varied. Too much repetition, on the other hand, makes the text monotonous and gives the impression of a limited vocabulary.
One of the most common examples, which is often practised at school, is the verb ‘to say’. Although it covers what two people in conversation do time and again, it comes across as stiff and rather inelegant. Related words such as ‘reply’, ‘explain’ or ‘answer’ make the reading experience much clearer. These are not exact synonyms, but rather ways of clarifying the meaning. Someone who replies is also saying something, but is not necessarily explaining it.
Synonyms play a particularly important role in literary texts. Novels thrive not only on their plot, but also on their linguistic style, and in hardly any other genre do readers place such great importance on style, aesthetics and expression. A varied vocabulary enables authors to convey images and moods more clearly – take the example of ‘to say’.
Synonyms have their greatest impact precisely where it matters most in a novel. They enable descriptions to be crafted with greater expressiveness and allow landscapes, characters or even emotions to be portrayed in a nuanced way. Often, this is not so much about the core meaning of the word, but rather about the nuances one wishes to convey. It makes a difference whether someone is ‘sad’ or ‘utterly miserable’.
Of course, it is not just about these differences in meaning. As already mentioned, particularly in a literary context, it is also very important to make the reading experience enjoyable, varied and engaging. This is not simply a matter of conveying a plot or information, but also of how it is presented. The use of synonyms improves the rhythm of a text, as readers subconsciously notice frequent repetitions and each subsequent use of the same word causes a brief disruption to the flow of reading – not exactly what one wants from a relaxing evening on the couch.
The disadvantages of excessive use
As helpful as synonyms can be, their use becomes problematic when taken to extremes. Some writers try compulsively to replace every recurring word with a different phrase. The result is often not an improvement, but a text that feels disjointed and, at times, confusing.
Perhaps the greatest danger lies in the use of ‘synonyms’ that are not actually synonyms at all. It is rare to find two words that mean exactly the same thing and also carry the same social and implicit nuances. Anyone who repeatedly resorts to new terms simply for the sake of variety risks straying from what they actually want to say. When using an alternative term, it is therefore essential to check whether it is actually suitable.
In most cases, the correct meaning can be deduced from the context, but there remains a residual risk of misunderstanding. An ‘emotion’, for example, is by definition something abstract that takes place on a psychological level, whereas a ‘feeling’ can also be physical. You cannot have a queasy feeling in your stomach. A ‘car’ is a clearly defined vehicle, whereas a ‘carriage’ can also be drawn by horses.
Another common phenomenon – particularly in the age of AI – is the frequent listing of three terms. This is a common, recurring and often-used list. Have you noticed it? This accumulation of words does not necessarily enrich the message. Rather, it comes across as an unnecessary padding of the sentence with words that all convey the same meaning and offer the reader no added value whatsoever. But what about the ‘frequent, effective, popular’ list? Whilst these descriptions are less redundant, they present a different problem: they say far more than should actually have been said, and imply things that have nothing to do with the core message and have been invented for the sake of it. They are by no means synonyms, but are nonetheless superfluous additions that distort the message.
In academic texts in particular, the opposite of what is recommended for literary texts often applies: a technical term may and should be repeated, as it refers to a clearly defined and delimited concept. In this context, repetition is not a stylistic weakness, but rather a sign of precision in content. In non-fiction texts, terms are often precisely defined and cannot therefore be interchanged at will. It is important for readers to always know exactly what is being discussed. This essentially applies to all text genres with practical relevance: contracts, legal texts, guidebooks, user manuals and recipes. For all of these, it is essential that clarity always prevails. Of course, repetition can be jarring to the eye, but in this context, comprehensibility always takes precedence over stylistic variation.
Why many so-called synonyms aren’t really synonyms at all
It is essential to bear in mind that many words which are referred to and used as synonyms in everyday language are not entirely synonymous – in fact, only a very small number are. These are the ‘partial synonyms’ mentioned earlier. A subtle nuance here lies not only in a possible difference in meaning, but also in their linguistic register or emotional impact.
For example, ‘living’ and ‘residing’ do not have identical connotations. Whilst ‘living’ is neutral, ‘residing’ sounds more sophisticated and often conveys an impression of luxury or prestige. Similarly, ‘seeing’, ‘observing’, ‘mustering’ and ‘looking upon’ differ from one another. All refer to perception through the eyes, yet they describe different ways of seeing and each convey their own nuances of meaning.
This phenomenon is also evident with adjectives. Words such as ‘happy’, ‘content’, ‘cheerful’ or ‘relieved’ are often regarded as synonyms. In fact, however, they describe different emotional states. If you swap them around at random, you often unintentionally alter the meaning of a sentence.
Furthermore, words often have different stylistic registers. There is frequently a neutral, a formal, a familiar, a professional or a colloquial way of expressing the same thing. Even regional influences can play a role. Even if a word – such as ‘reside’, as mentioned earlier – accurately conveys the facts, it may seem inappropriate and carry a connotation that does not fit the context.
Key Takeaway:
Language is governed by the principle of efficiency. True, 100 per cent synonyms are therefore extremely rare – they usually differ in nuance, tone or context.
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– The novum publishing team