Are there any truly perfect synonyms?
 

Are there two words that mean completely and absolutely the same thing, including connotation, etc?

I was wondering about adjectival ones, and not just a noun that has multiple names (bobcat/mountain lion, etc.)

And if such a pair (or group) exists, why do we have superfluous words?

Re: Are there any truly perfect synonyms?
 

dearth := lack

Re: Are there any truly perfect synonyms?
 

The problem with those is that "dearth" does not replace all the uses of "lack" (lack can be a verb) and also, "dearth" can also mean specifically a shortage of food or famine.

I was wondering if two words exist that are always completely interchangeable.

Re: Are there any truly perfect synonyms?
 

i would say no, including nouns like bobcat/mountain lion. a mountain lion sounds scarier, even to someone who knows they are identical.

Re: Are there any truly perfect synonyms?
 

[ QUOTE ]
bobcat/mountain lion. a mountain lion sounds scarier, even to someone who knows they are identical.

[/ QUOTE ]

Clearly you have no idea what you're talking about.

Re: Are there any truly perfect synonyms?
 

Inflammable means flammable?...WHAT A COUNTRY!!

Re: Are there any truly perfect synonyms?
 

regardless and irregardless

Vince and Smoothcall

Re: Are there any truly perfect synonyms?
 

gigantic - humongous

Re: Are there any truly perfect synonyms?
 

Yes, er, affirmative.

Re: Are there any truly perfect synonyms?
 

enormous - massive