Skip to content
Other Atlas
  • Home
  • Worlds
    • World Archetypes
    • Fantasy Worlds
    • Science Fiction Worlds
    • Cyberpunk Worlds
    • Post-Apocalyptic Worlds
    • Horror
    • Mythological
  • Toolkits
    • Getting Started
    • Components
    • Models
    • Techniques
    • Map Icons
  • Shop
  • Support

Other Atlas

Synonyms

Synonyms

CONCEPT

Synonyms, or closely associated words and phrases, are incredibly important tools in building fictional worlds. They can be used to help set a tone, can be used to avoid unwanted repetition, and can aid in creating a sense of richness and immensity to a world. Placenames are especially important areas where synonyms can be handy. Designers may frown at the idea of town, after town, after town in their world, and scattering the landscape with a village, hamlet, and shire may alleviate this. Additionally, while it may not quite sit right that the main villain has their seat of power in a castle, it may be a better fit for them to reign from a citadel or fortress. Worldbuilders should always consider synonyms for the elements they include in their fictional worlds.

Other Atlas lists both common real world synonyms and example mythonyms next to each element at the top of their page.

Example Location Synonyms
City: metropolis, megapolis, municipality, cosmopolis, urban center, capital
Town: hamlet, village, settlement
Castle: fortress, citadel, bastion, keep, stronghold
Territory: realm, kingdom, dominion, domain, empire, state
Example Terrain Synonyms
Forest: woods, woodlands, grove, thicket, timberland
River: stream, creek, run, beck, brook
Ocean: sea, deep blue, abyss
Plains: meadowlands, grasslands, steppe
Mountain: peak, alp, crag, mount
Swamp: wetland, bog, marsh, marshland, mire, moor, fen, glade
Island: isle, islet

A Primer

  • Getting Started
  • World Archetypes
  • Regions & Biomes
  • Places
  • Factions
  • Fictional Histories
  • Worldbuilding Terminology

Inspiration in Your Inbox

Our monthly email with fun worldbuilding tips, guides & tidbits.

The Other Atlas Bulletin.

Success! Welcome to the Other Atlas Bulletin.

© 2025   All Rights Reserved.