A certificate deposit, also known as a CD, is a type of investment vehicle that banks and credit unions offer. However, not everyone may be familiar with this term, which is why it's beneficial to know some synonyms for it. Some common synonyms for certificate deposit include time deposit, term deposit, fixed-term deposit, and savings certificate. These synonyms better describe the main characteristics of a certificate deposit, which is a fixed period of time that the money is left with the bank or credit union and earns a fixed rate of interest. Knowing these synonyms can help people better understand their options when it comes to investing their money.