A synonym is a word or phrase that has the same meaning, or very close to, that of another word or phrase. Example: happy is the synonym for cheerful, joyful and glad. They all mean the same thing. A homonym is a word that sounds and is spelled the same as another word but has a different meaning. Example: 1. lead: noun: mixture of graphite with clay in different degrees of hardness; the marking substance in a pencil. Sentence: The lead of the pencil broke. Example: 2. lead: verb: be ahead of others; be the first; be in charge of; travel in front of; go in advance of others; take somebody somewhere; cause to undertake a certain action; the result in and the result of. Sentence: He lead our team to victory.