Synonyms for Is

Updated 2026-10-12 · Synonyms List editorial team

Quick answer: Useful alternatives to is include equals, represents, remains, exists, and constitutes. Because is does several jobs, no single word replaces it everywhere, so the best swap depends on the sentence. The lists below match each substitute to a use, with an example sentence showing the rewrite so you can pick the right one.

Closest Synonyms for Is

equals: Use for math and exact matches. Two plus three equals five.
represents: Use when one thing stands for another. The red line represents the border.
remains: Use when a state continues. The shop remains closed on Sundays.
exists: Use for being present. A problem exists in the old wiring.
constitutes: Use when something counts as or makes up another. This delay constitutes a breach of contract.
amounts to: Use for totals and effects. The fee amounts to ten dollars.
stands as: Use for lasting monuments or records. The tower stands as a symbol of the town.
means: Use for definitions. Freedom means the power to choose.
serves as: Use for roles. The garage serves as a workshop.
functions as: Use for the job an object does. The sofa functions as a bed.
counts as: Use for rules and categories. A tomato counts as a fruit in botany.
consists of: Use for what something is made of. The team consists of eight players.

Formal Synonyms for Is

signifies: Indicates a meaning. The red flag signifies danger.
denotes: Names or marks something exactly. The term denotes a small boat.
embodies: Gives physical or complete form to. She embodies the spirit of the town.
comprises: Is made up of. The panel comprises five experts.
subsists: Continues to exist. A bond subsists between the two nations.
obtains: Holds true, applies. The same rule obtains in every state.
prevails: Is the dominant condition. Peace prevails across the valley.
persists: Continues to exist despite change. The old custom persists in rural areas.
proves to be: Turns out, after testing, to be. The method proves to be reliable.
equates to: Is equal in effect or value. A delay of one hour equates to a loss of two hundred dollars.

Informal Synonyms for Is

comes to: Use for totals. The bill comes to forty dollars.
works out to: Use for calculated amounts. The tip works out to six dollars.
clocks in at: Use for lengths of time. The film clocks in at two hours.
weighs in at: Use for weights and sizes. The bag weighs in at ten pounds.
runs to: Use for length of a document. The report runs to eighty pages.
sets you back: Use for a cost that stings. The ticket sets you back fifty dollars.
tops out at: Use for a maximum. The speed tops out at ninety.
goes for: Use for a selling price. The old bike goes for fifty bucks.
lands at: Use for a final number. The total lands at twelve dollars.
's: The spoken contraction of is. She's late for class.

Stronger and Weaker Words

stays: Stronger. Use to stress that a state lasts. The sky stays clear all day.
turns out to be: Stronger. Use when something is proven after doubt. The rumor turns out to be false.
emerges as: Stronger. Use when something becomes clear over time. She emerges as the clear leader.
holds true: Stronger. Use when a claim stays valid. The claim holds true in every case.
seems: Weaker. Use when you are not fully sure. The soup seems ready.
appears: Weaker. Use for how something looks, not how it is. He appears tired.
looks: Weaker. Use for a visual impression. The plan looks sound.
tends to be: Weaker. Use for a usual but not certain state. The road tends to be icy in winter.

Antonyms for Is

is not
isn't
differs from
lacks
ceases to be
does not exist

How to Pick the Right Synonym

Pick the substitute by the job is does in the sentence. In math or measurement, use equals or comes to. For definitions, use means or denotes. For roles, use serves as or functions as, and for continuing states, use remains or persists. Use seems or appears when you are unsure. Often is is the clearest word, so replace it only when another verb adds precision.

Best Synonym by Situation

In a math lesson: Use equals for results. Four times three equals twelve.
In a dictionary entry: Use means for definitions. Brisk means quick and lively.
In a price list: Use comes to for totals. The full set comes to sixty dollars.
In a legal agreement: Use constitutes for what counts. Late payment constitutes default.
In a science report: Use represents for symbols. Each dot represents one sample.
In a job description: Use serves as for roles. The coordinator serves as the main contact.
In a news story: Use remains for continuing states. The bridge remains closed after the flood.
In a text message: Use 's for a casual tone. He's on his way.
In a product listing: Use functions as for dual-purpose items. The bench functions as extra storage.
In a film review: Use clocks in at for length. The sequel clocks in at nearly three hours.

Example Sentences

Ten minus four equals six, so we have enough chairs.
The white dove represents peace in many cultures.
The museum remains open until the end of the month.
A shortage exists in several rural clinics.
Missing the deadline constitutes a violation of the policy.
The final bill came to ninety dollars.
The spare room serves as an office on weekdays.
The word denotes a person who travels on foot.
The committee comprises members from every district.
The film clocks in at just under two hours.

Related Phrases and Idioms

Boils down to: Is, in the end, mainly about one thing.
Comes down to: Is decided by one main factor.
That is to say: A phrase used to restate something more clearly.
In other words: A phrase that introduces a simpler way to say the same thing.
Stands for: Represents or is short for something.
Adds up to: Equals or results in a certain total or effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for is?

There is no single replacement because is does several jobs. Use equals for math, represents for symbols, remains for lasting states, and exists when you mean something is present. Pick the verb that fits the sentence.

Can I replace is with a stronger verb in writing?

Yes, and it often makes writing livelier. Verbs such as serves as, remains, and represents add detail that the plain word cannot. Keep is when a simple statement of fact is the clearest choice.

What is a formal word for is?

Signifies, denotes, comprises, and constitutes are formal options. Signifies and denotes suit meaning, comprises suits what something is made of, and constitutes suits what counts as something in a rule or contract.

What is the opposite of is?

Is not, or the contraction isn't, is the plain opposite. For more variety, use lacks, differs from, ceases to be, or does not exist, depending on what you want to deny.