What type of words are "bolder" and "boulder"?

The words "bolder" and "boulder" are classified as homophones because they share the same pronunciation but have different meanings and spellings. Homophones are a subtype of homonyms and can often create confusion in writing and speech due to their phonetic similarities.

In this case, "bolder" is the comparative form of the adjective "bold," which means more daring or courageous. On the other hand, "boulder" refers to a large rock that has been detached from its source. This distinction in meaning, paired with their identical pronunciation, exemplifies the characteristics of homophones effectively.

The other classifications do not apply to these terms. They do not function as antonyms since they do not convey opposite meanings, nor are they synonyms, as they do not share the same meaning. Analogies, which draw comparisons between two different things based on a shared relationship, also do not describe these two words accurately. Thus, identifying "bolder" and "boulder" as homophones captures their unique relationship in the English language.