What term is used for words that are spelled the same but have different meanings?

The term used for words that are spelled the same but have different meanings is homographs. Homographs can often be pronounced in the same way or differently, and their meanings may vary significantly based on context. For example, the word "lead" can refer to a metal or to guiding someone. Understanding homographs is essential for reading comprehension, as it helps learners decipher the intended meaning of a word based on its usage in a sentence.

Antonyms refer to words that have opposite meanings, like "hot" and "cold." Synonyms are words that have similar meanings, such as "happy" and "joyful." Homonyms, while they also include words that sound the same but may or may not be spelled alike, encompass both homographs and homophones. Thus, homographs is the most specific and accurate term for this question.