Synonyms for

Colon

Verb / ˈkəʊlʌn / Another word for colon — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A punctuation mark (:) indicating a break between clauses or indicating that what follows is an elaboration or explanation.

Synonyms & similar words

aspinwall colon elsalvadorancolon costaricancolon colonial separator divider indicator sign symbol comma semicolon period point stop hyphen dash line score virgule slash solidus

Synonyms by register

Formal

punctuation mark semicolon comma

Informal

dot mark

Literary

pause junction

Antonyms

full stop period end mark terminal punctuation

Common collocations

  • colon and dash
  • colon punctuation
  • colon mark
  • colon separator
  • colon operator
  • colon notation

Word family

noun colon

Usage note

The word 'colon' most commonly refers to a punctuation mark used to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation. It can also refer to a part of the large intestine.

Example sentences

  1. I need to use a colon in this sentence.
  2. The colon separates the hour and minutes on a clock.
  3. The colon is a useful punctuation mark.
  4. I am learning how to use a colon correctly in my writing.
  5. The teacher added a colon to the sentence on the board.

Quotes

  • The colon is the gateway to the sentence. ~ Lewis Thomas
  • The colonel is never wrong. He may be mistaken, he may be misled - he may be fooled by false appearances, but he is never wrong. ~ Douglas Haig
  • The semi-colon is a useful punctuation device; it helps writers to present ideas in a concise and orderly way. ~ Roy H. Williams

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