Synonyms for

Punctuation

Verb / ˌpʌŋktʃu:ˈeɪʃʌn / Another word for punctuation — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Punctuation is the use of marks such as commas and periods in writing to separate sentences and clarify meaning.

Synonyms & similar words

punctuationmark marks symbols signs indicators points stops commas periods apostrophes parentheses brackets braces dashes hyphens colons semicolons

Synonyms by register

Formal

diacritics marks notation

Informal

stops marks dots

Literary

points accents

Antonyms

unpunctuated unmarked plain bare unadorned unembellished

Common collocations

  • punctuation marks
  • proper punctuation
  • punctuation rules
  • punctuation errors
  • punctuation style
  • punctuation guide
  • punctuation system

Word family

noun punctuation
verb punctuate
adjective punctuated
adverb punctually

Usage note

Punctuation refers to the use of standard marks and signs in writing. While 'punctually' shares a root, it refers to timeliness, not writing marks.

Example sentences

  1. She forgot to use punctuation in her letter.
  2. The teacher explained the importance of punctuation in writing.
  3. I always struggle with punctuation when I write.
  4. He is an expert in punctuation and grammar rules.
  5. Correct punctuation can make a big difference in the meaning of a sentence.

Quotes

  • 'Punctuation is the art of clarifying how a group of words falls together into thought.' - Lynne Truss
  • 'Punctuation is the ink with which we print meaning.' - William Rose Benet
  • 'Punctuation is the mortar that holds the bricks of meaning together.' - Paul Robinson

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