Skip to content

Dictionary-enhanced synonyms

Synonyms for “Child” — 4 Other Ways to Say It

A young boy or girl who is not yet an adult.

IPA: /tʃaɪld/Level: A1Register: neutralPart of speech: noun

Meaning of Child

A young person, typically from birth to teenage years.

How to Pronounce Child

IPA: /tʃaɪld/ Stress: O

The 'ch' sounds like 'ch' in 'chop'. Say it clearly: /tʃaɪld/.

Full pronunciation guide for child →

4 Synonyms for Child — Words Similar to Child

Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.

kid

/kɪd/
noun A1 Informal

A young child; a boy or girl who is not yet an adult.

Example: The kids are playing in the park after school.

boy

/bɔɪ/
noun A1

A male child or young man, typically from birth until teenage years or early adulthood.

Example: The boy played soccer in the park.

girl

/ɡɜːrl/
noun A1

A young female person, from childhood through early adulthood.

Example: The girl played soccer after school.

Smart Synonyms for Child — When to Use Each

kid

use in informal speech and everyday conversation

youngster

use when emphasizing youth in formal writing

Antonyms of Child — Opposite Words

How to Use Child and Its Synonyms in Sentences

  • The child ran to her mother for a hug. A1
  • Every child in the school learns to read. A1
  • When I was a child, I wanted to be a doctor. A2

Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Child

What is another word for "child"?

Common synonyms for "child" include: kid, youngster, boy, girl.

What can I say instead of "child"?

Try one of these alternatives: kid, youngster, boy, girl. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.

Is "child" formal or informal?

"child" is generally used in neutral contexts.

When should I use "child" instead of "kid"?

Use "child" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "kid" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.

What are the antonyms of "child"?

Words with the opposite meaning of "child" include: adult, parent.

Explore “Child” in Other Tools