OpenSynonym

name

/neɪm/

NOUN

1. Word or expression identifying a person, place, or thing

A word, phrase, or designation used to identify, distinguish, or refer to a particular person, place, object, organization, or concept.

1.1. Personal names and identification

Used to refer to the personal designation by which an individual is known, including first names, family names, given names, nicknames, and alternative identities.

Synonyms

Examples

  • She hesitated before revealing the true name of the mysterious caller.
  • The author decided to use a pen name for the controversial novel.
  • Please write your full name at the top of the page before submitting your assignment.

Related Words

1.2. Names of places, objects, and concepts

Used for words or expressions that identify geographical locations, objects, categories, brands, organizations, or abstract concepts.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The teacher called out each student's name during roll call.
  • In the ancient legend, the hero had to discover the magical name of the enchanted creature.

Related Words

  • place name
  • brand name
  • trade name
  • trademark
  • proper name
  • trivial name
  • binomial
  • monomial
  • vernacular
  • classification

1.3. Unique identifiers and technical labels

Used in computing, databases, and technical systems to describe a unique string or label that identifies a particular object, variable, account, file, or resource.

Synonyms

Examples

  • Every user must have a unique name in the database.
  • The programmer assigned a descriptive name to each variable.

Related Words

NOUN

2. Reputation, fame, and public standing

The reputation, recognition, or degree of public respect and prominence associated with a person, organization, or entity.

2.1. Reputation and public image

Used to describe the general opinion or judgment that people have about someone's character, achievements, conduct, or reliability.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The company worked hard to protect its name after the scandal.
  • His name was damaged by the allegations of dishonesty.

Related Words

2.2. Famous and influential people

Used to refer to a well-known or prominent individual whose achievements, influence, or public recognition make them notable.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The event attracted several big names from the entertainment industry.
  • She quickly became a household name after the success of her first novel.

Related Words

2.3. Importance and distinction

Used to emphasize the significance, prestige, or exceptional standing of a person, achievement, institution, or event.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The university has earned a name for excellence in scientific research.

Related Words

NOUN

3. Abusive or insulting designation

An offensive, derogatory, or insulting word or expression used to criticize, ridicule, or show contempt toward someone.

3.1. Insults and derogatory expressions

Used to describe offensive labels or expressions directed at someone to humiliate, criticize, or express hostility.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The children were warned not to call each other insulting names.
  • He became upset after hearing the offensive name directed at him.

Related Words

NOUN

4. A person or member of a group

An individual, entity, or member of a family or group identified through a shared name, designation, or identity.

4.1. People and family groups

Used to refer to an individual or a collection of people associated through a shared family name, lineage, or identity.

Synonyms

Examples

  • Several members of the same name attended the family reunion.
  • The ancient family name had been associated with the region for generations.

Related Words

4.2. Legal and business identities

Used to refer to an individual or legally recognized entity considered as a distinct person in legal, commercial, or organizational matters.

Synonyms

  • person
  • individual
  • entity
  • legal person
  • corporate body
  • organization

Examples

  • The agreement was registered under the name of the legal entity.

Related Words

NOUN

5. Authority and power

The authority, legitimacy, or power represented by a person, institution, office, or recognized source of command.

5.1. Official authority and authorization

Used in expressions such as 'in the name of' to indicate that an action is performed under someone's authority, with official authorization, or on behalf of a recognized institution.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The officer ordered the crowd to disperse in the name of the law.
  • They acted in the name of the organization and followed its official instructions.

Related Words

VERB

6. Giving someone or something a name

To assign or bestow a particular name, title, or designation on a person, place, object, or concept.

6.1. Naming people and objects

Used when assigning a personal name, title, or identifying expression to someone or something, including naming children, places, products, and organizations.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • unnname
  • misname
  • mislabel

Examples

  • They decided to name their newborn daughter after her grandmother.
  • The author named the fictional town after a place from his childhood.

Related Words

6.2. Choosing and assigning a role

Used when officially selecting or appointing someone to a position, office, responsibility, or particular role.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The board decided to name her as the new chief executive.
  • The committee named three candidates for the position.

Related Words

VERB

7. Mentioning or specifying something

To refer to, state, identify, or explicitly mention a person, object, fact, or detail in speech or writing.

7.1. Mentioning and referring to people or things

Used when bringing someone or something into discussion by explicitly referring to them or including their designation in a statement.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • She named several influential writers who inspired her work.
  • Please name the countries that participated in the agreement.

Related Words

7.2. Identifying and pointing out something important

Used when explicitly identifying a particular issue, factor, reason, or person as relevant, significant, or worthy of attention.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The report named poor communication as the main cause of the failure.
  • The researcher named several factors that contributed to the outcome.

Related Words

VERB

8. Publicly accusing or implicating someone

To identify someone publicly as responsible for wrongdoing, misconduct, or involvement in an undesirable or illegal activity.

8.1. Accusations and public identification

Used when openly identifying or accusing a person as being involved in wrongdoing, particularly in formal investigations, public statements, or political proceedings.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The witness refused to name the person responsible for the crime.
  • The investigation named several officials who were allegedly involved in the scandal.

Related Words

VERB

9. Identifying and selecting something

To choose, designate, or identify a particular person, object, option, or course of action from among several possibilities.

9.1. Choosing and selecting options

Used when asking someone to identify or specify a preferred option, candidate, object, or solution from a range of alternatives.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • Can you name three books that everyone should read?
  • The manager asked the team to name their preferred solution.

Related Words