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Words with syn vocabulary list

This list gathers words built from the Greek prefix syn, meaning together or with, from grammar terms like syntax and synonym to science terms like synapse and synthesis. Use it to review Greek roots for a vocabulary unit, prepare for a spelling test, or see how one prefix links words across subjects.

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Words with syn vocabulary list

25 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
synonymnounA word or phrase that has the same, or nearly the same, meaning as another word.'Happy' and 'joyful' are synonyms, though they carry slightly different tones.
synonymousadjectiveHaving the same or a very similar meaning as another word, or closely and strongly associated with something.In this context, "frugal" and "thrifty" are essentially synonymous with each other.
synonymynounThe state of having the same or nearly the same meaning, or the study of such relationships between words.Linguists debate the exact synonymy between words like "big" and "large" in different contexts.
syntaxnounThe set of rules that governs how words are arranged to form correct sentences or phrases in a language.English syntax generally places the subject before the verb, unlike some other languages.
syntacticadjectiveRelating to the arrangement of words and phrases to form grammatically correct sentences.The sentence is syntactic nonsense even though every individual word is spelled correctly.
syntacticaladjectiveRelating to the arrangement of words and phrases to form grammatically correct sentences.The essay had several syntactical errors that made its sentences confusing to follow.
synthesisnounThe combination of separate ideas, elements, or substances to form a new, unified whole.Her essay offered a clear synthesis of three different theories about climate change.
synthesizeverbTo combine separate parts, ideas, or substances into a single, coherent whole.The essay synthesizes research from psychology, biology, and sociology into one theory.
syntheticadjectiveMade by combining chemical substances artificially rather than occurring naturally.The jacket is filled with synthetic insulation instead of natural down feathers.
synthesizernounAn electronic instrument or device that generates and modifies sound, often to imitate other instruments.The band used a vintage synthesizer to create the eerie, futuristic sound on the track.
synchronizeverbTo cause events, processes, or devices to occur or operate at the same time or rate.Please synchronize your watches so we all arrive at the meeting point at exactly noon.
synchronizationnounThe process of making two or more things happen, operate, or move at the same time or rate.Careful synchronization of the video and audio tracks was needed before the film could be released.
synchronousadjectiveExisting, happening, or operating at the same time, or occurring in a fixed, coordinated sequence.The course offers synchronous classes with live discussion instead of only recorded lectures.
syndromenounA group of symptoms that consistently occur together and characterize a particular medical condition.The doctor explained that fatigue and joint pain together pointed to a specific syndrome.
syndicatenounA group of individuals or businesses that combine to carry out a joint venture or shared interest.A syndicate of investors pooled their money to buy the old factory and redevelop it.
synergynounThe combined effect produced when things work together that is greater than the sum of their separate effects.The merger was expected to create synergy between the two companies' research teams.
synergisticadjectiveDescribing a combined effect that is greater than the sum of the individual effects acting separately.The two drugs have a synergistic effect, working far better together than either does alone.
synodnounAn official council or assembly of church officials that meets to discuss and decide church matters.The bishops gathered for a synod to debate changes to the church's official teachings.
synopsisnounA brief summary or general overview of a longer piece of writing, film, or plan.The publisher asked for a one-page synopsis of the novel before reading the full manuscript.
synapsenounThe junction between two nerve cells where electrical or chemical signals pass from one to the other.Signals cross the synapse between neurons through the release of chemical messengers.
synapticadjectiveRelating to a synapse, the junction where a nerve impulse passes from one neuron to another.The drug alters synaptic activity in the brain, changing how neurons communicate with each other.
syncopateverbTo shift the emphasis in music to a beat that is normally weak or unaccented.The pianist syncopated the melody, placing accents just before the beats listeners expected.
syncopationnounA rhythm created by stressing a beat that is usually unstressed, disrupting the expected regular pattern.The song's syncopation makes it hard to clap along on the obvious beat.
synesthesianounA condition in which stimulating one sense triggers an automatic, involuntary experience in another sense.Because of her synesthesia, she perceives the number seven as being colored a pale green.
synergizeverbTo combine efforts, resources, or elements so that the result is more effective than separate action.The two teams agreed to synergize their marketing and engineering efforts on the new launch.

What does the prefix syn mean?

Syn comes from Greek and means together or with. A synonym is a word that goes together with another in meaning, synchronize means to make things happen together in time, and synthesis means putting parts together to form a whole. In music, syncopation shifts a rhythm so beats land together in an unexpected place, showing how flexible this small prefix can be across different fields.

Frequently asked questions

What does the prefix syn mean in words like synonym and synthesis?

Syn means together or with, so a synonym is a word that shares meaning with another, and synthesis means combining parts together into a whole.