Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Make” — 10 Other Ways to Say It
To build, create, or produce something new by putting materials together.
Meanings of Make — Pick the Sense You Need
Make has 3 common meanings. The synonyms below are grouped by meaning so you can jump straight to the sense you need.
-
Meaning #1
as a verb
To build, create, or produce something new by putting materials together.
-
Meaning #2
as a verb
To cause something to happen or to cause someone to feel or do something.
-
Meaning #3
as a verb
To earn money through work, business, or other means of income.
How to Pronounce Make
IPA: /meɪk/ Stress: O
One long /eɪ/ vowel sound like in 'take' or 'cake'. Final 'k' is very soft.
4 Synonyms for Make (Meaning #1 — as a verb)
These synonyms work when you use make as a verb. Meaning: To build, create, or produce something new by putting materials together.
create
/kriˈeɪt/To make something new that did not exist before.
Example: Artists create beautiful paintings.
build
/bɪld/To make something by putting pieces or materials together in an organized way.
Example: We will build a new house in the countryside next year.
construct
/kənˈstrʌkt/To make or build something from materials or ideas.
Example: The builders will construct the new bridge over two years.
produce
/prəˈdjuːs/To create or make something, especially in factories or farms.
Example: The factory produces cars every day.
4 Synonyms for Make (Meaning #2 — as a verb)
These synonyms work when you use make as a verb. Meaning: To cause something to happen or to cause someone to feel or do something.
cause
/kɔːz/To make something happen because of your actions.
Example: Smoking can cause serious health problems.
force
/fɔːrs/Strength that pushes or moves something; power applied to make something happen.
Example: The force of the wind knocked down the trees.
create
/kriˈeɪt/To make something new that did not exist before.
Example: Artists create beautiful paintings.
produce
/prəˈdjuːs/To create or make something, especially in factories or farms.
Example: The factory produces cars every day.
4 Synonyms for Make (Meaning #3 — as a verb)
These synonyms work when you use make as a verb. Meaning: To earn money through work, business, or other means of income.
earn
/ɜːn/To get money by working, or to gain something through effort.
Example: She earns $50,000 per year as a nurse.
gain
/ɡeɪn/To get something you did not have before, or to have more of something.
Example: She gained confidence after winning the speech competition.
get
/ɡɛtʃ/To receive or obtain something; to come to have or own something you want.
Example: I get a new bicycle every few years.
receive
/rɪˈsiːv/To get something that is given or sent to you.
Example: I received a letter yesterday.
Smart Synonyms for Make — When to Use Each
create
when making something artistic or original
build
when constructing something physical with materials
produce
when manufacturing something in quantity
Antonyms of Make — Opposite Words
How to Use Make and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- I make breakfast every morning for my family. A1
- She makes beautiful clothes by hand. A2
- This factory makes computers and electronic devices. A2
- Loud noise makes me angry. B1
- Exercise makes you healthier and stronger. B1
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Make
What is another word for "make"?
Common synonyms for "make" include: create, build, construct, produce, cause.
What can I say instead of "make"?
Try one of these alternatives: create, build, construct, produce, cause. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "make" formal or informal?
"make" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "make" instead of "create"?
Use "make" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "create" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.
What are the antonyms of "make"?
Words with the opposite meaning of "make" include: destroy, break, lose, spend.