Synonyms for

Physician

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

Definition

A physician is a medical doctor who treats people who are sick or injured.

Synonyms & similar words

md doc doctor medico dr doctor surgeon medic specialist healer clinician practitioner internist pediatrician cardiologist dermatologist psychiatrist neurologist oncologist ophthalmologist radiologist endocrinologist gynecologist

Synonyms by register

Formal

medical practitioner doctor clinician healer

Informal

doc medic sawbones

Literary

physic leech

Antonyms

patient layperson non-medical person quack charlatan healer

Common collocations

  • general physician
  • consulting physician
  • visiting physician
  • family physician
  • chief physician
  • physician assistant
  • physician's desk reference

Word family

noun physician
adjective physicianly

Usage note

Physician is a formal term for a medical doctor. While 'doctor' is often used interchangeably, 'physician' specifically refers to someone licensed to practice medicine.

Example sentences

  1. My physician recommended that I get a flu shot.
  2. The physician examined the patient's x-rays.
  3. The physician prescribed medication to treat the illness.
  4. The physician's office was busy with patients.
  5. The physician had a gentle touch when administering the injection.

Quotes

  • The physician should not treat the disease but the patient who is suffering from it. - Moses Maimonides
  • The best physician is also a philosopher. - Galen
  • The physician's highest calling, his only calling, is to make sick people healthy - to heal, as it is termed. - Samuel Hahnemann

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