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I understand the meaning of "synonym", I'm just not sure of its usage, in particular the correct preposition follows it.

From Cambridge Dictionary

Cool is not a synonym for all things good.

Which indicates "a synonym for" is a correct use.

Ngram Viewers shows "a synonym of" could also be a correct use.

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Does this mean the same thing as the quotation?

Cool is not a synonym of all things good.

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  • Of and for are both OK and are shown in Cambridge Dictionary examples of usage. synonym of ingestion and synonym for craft.
    – Michael Harvey
    Commented Jul 20, 2020 at 8:42
  • @MichaelHarvey Thank you. Presumably, synonym of ingestion sounds natural to native English speakers. Does synonym for ingestion also sound natural and mean the same thing?
    – JJJohn
    Commented Jul 20, 2020 at 9:18
  • Both are OK, as I indicated.
    – Michael Harvey
    Commented Jul 20, 2020 at 9:36
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    "Synonym of" always refers to words. "Synonym for" and "synonymous with" can also have an extended meaning, eg "Rolls-Royce is a synonym for luxury in automobiles" or "Oscar Wilde is synonymous with wit".
    – Peter
    Commented Jul 20, 2020 at 10:13

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"Synonym of" always refers to words. "Synonym for" and "synonymous with" often refer to words, but they can also have an extended meaning. For example "Rolls-Royce is a synonym for luxury in automobiles" or "Oscar Wilde is synonymous with wit".

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