What are homonyms?

Homonyms are defined as words that sound the same but have different meanings. This category can include words that are both spelled the same and pronounced the same, leading to potential confusion in communication. An example of this is the word "bark," which can refer to the sound a dog makes or the outer covering of a tree. Understanding homonyms is crucial for clarity in language, as the context in which the word is used typically determines its intended meaning.

The other options describe different linguistic concepts. Words spelled the same with different meanings are known as homographs, similar meanings pertain to synonyms, and opposite meanings relate to antonyms. Therefore, the definition describing homonyms as words that sound identical but have distinct meanings accurately captures the essence of these words.