What are words that sound the same but are spelled differently called?

Words that sound the same but are spelled differently are called homophones. This term specifically refers to pairs or groups of words that have the same pronunciation yet carry different meanings and often different spellings. For example, "pair" and "pear" are homophones because they sound alike but refer to different things. Understanding homophones is important in language as they can lead to misunderstandings in both written and spoken communication, particularly in earlier education settings where children are learning the nuances of language.

Synonyms refer to words with similar meanings, such as "happy" and "joyful." Antonyms are words that have opposite meanings, such as "hot" and "cold." Homonyms can sometimes be confused with homophones, but they are a broader category that includes words that sound the same and are spelled the same, as well as words that are spelled the same but have different meanings, like "bat" (the flying animal) and "bat" (the sports equipment). Understanding these distinctions enhances comprehension and clarity in language use.