Synonyms for

Stones

Noun / stəʊnz / Another word for stones — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a small piece of rock

Synonyms & similar words

lapidate rock gem gemstone stone endocarp pit rocks pebbles boulders gravel cobbles debris scree shingles clasts detritus rubble sediment minerals quarry slate granite limestone sandstone marble basalt

Synonyms by register

Formal

rocks aggregates mineral matter

Informal

rocks pebbles boulders

Literary

gems jewels flint

Antonyms

liquids gases softer materials metals gems dust

Common collocations

  • loose stones
  • pile of stones
  • throwing stones
  • building with stones
  • ancient stones
  • river stones
  • smooth stones
  • hard stones

Word family

noun stone
verb stone
adjective stony

Usage note

While 'stones' can refer to small rocks, it is also used as the plural of 'stone' when referring to larger rocks or geological formations. 'Stones' can also be used metaphorically, as in 'heart of stone'.

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Example sentences

  1. I skipped stones across the pond.
  2. The driveway was made of small stones.
  3. The castle was built with large stones.
  4. The archaeologist found ancient stones.
  5. The hiker tripped on a loose stone.

Quotes

  • A rolling stone gathers no moss. - Publilius Syrus
  • I see my path, but I don't know where it leads. Not knowing where I'm going is what inspires me to travel it. - Rosalia de Castro
  • I am a rock, I am an island. - Simon & Garfunkel

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