✅ Unidentified describes something that is unknown or unrecognized (an unidentified species of bird).

✅ Anonymous describes something with an unacknowledged, unknown, or withheld name (We received some money from an anonymous donor).

✅ Unidentified generally refers to people, aircraft, and phenomena that are unknown or mysterious (an unidentified flying object).

✅ Anonymous generally refers to people who are withholding their name or identity for their own comfort or safety, or because it’s expected in that context (anonymous tip; anonymous author).

✅ Stifle means to end something by force, crush something, or quell it (to stifle debate on an issue).

✅ Squelch means crush, suppress, or silence something (squelch the publication of a controversial book).

✅ Stifle and squelch both mean to end something, and both can suggest ending something with force, aggression, or violence (stifle someone’s dreams).

✅ Squelch suggests greater force and violence as well as a more complete suppression (squelch a revolt).

✅ A bookworm is a person who loves reading, either for pleasure or in order to study (I was such a bookworm that I went to the library every day).

✅ A bibliophile is a person who loves or collects books, especially rare or unusual books or books as examples of artistry (Rare books like that are usually snapped up by bibliophiles).

✅ Bookworm and bibliophile are often used interchangeably, even though their meanings are a bit different. Bookworm often refers particularly to a person who loves reading or studying.

✅ Bookworm is a more informal term, whereas bibliophile is a more formal or literary term.

See how many of these synonyms apply to you!