1

Google was no help. It found many synonyms for almost, nearly, close, etc. Is there a noun that means "not quite a synonym"?

Examples:

car : wagon

hide : lose

Improve this question
2
4

A parasynonym?

parasynonym (plural parasynonyms)

(linguistics) A word or phrase that shares similar meanings with another term in some > contexts, but not all; a close synonym.

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/parasynonym

Improve this answer
2
  • 2
    There is no difference between the (first) definition of this word given above, and a meaningful definition of synonym itself. There are no two words (other than alternative spellings) that 'share exactly similar meanings in all contexts'. I use 'near-synonym' to mean a word 'almost interchangeable with a second word in some senses with no vast change of meaning' (eg 'He made some judicious/prudent investments') and 'synonym' to mean a word 'interchangeable in some senses with a second word with no or very little discernible change of meaning' (eg 'He gave a contented/satisfied smile). – Edwin Ashworth May 26 '14 at 8:43
  • I'm not sure about true synonymy myself, but English is full of words of different linguistic origins that essentially mean the same thing (kingly/regal, paternal/fatherly, etc.). I suspect that this word was coined by someone who does believe in true synonymy. – gpr May 27 '14 at 0:32
4

Similar means "resembling without being identical", but I imagine you're looking for something fancier.

Some dictionaries think synonymous itself will work:

adjective: synonymous (of a word or phrase) having the same or nearly the same meaning as another word or phrase in the same language

Improve this answer
2
  • Yeah, I'm looking more for something that describes a word. So "X" where X is an X of synonym. – mcrumley May 26 '14 at 3:59
  • This definition is more sensible than many, but still omits the necessary 'in certain usages'. A satisfied customer. a contented customer. A contented cow, a satisfied cow??? – Edwin Ashworth May 26 '14 at 8:50
-1

Do you mean something like the word like or alike?

Improve this answer
1
  • Sort of, but more like a synonym for "not quite a synonym." I may need to rephrase the question because the word should be a noun. – mcrumley May 26 '14 at 4:48

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.