Librettists are individuals who write the texts that are used in the creation of operas and musicals. Sometimes referred to as lyricists, these writers are knowledgeable about meter, rhyme, and musical structure, making them well-equipped to craft texts that can be effectively set to music. Other synonyms for the word "librettists" include composers, songwriters, text writers, libretto writers, and opera writers. Depending on the context in which the term is being used, it may also be appropriate to refer to these individuals simply as writers or authors. All of these terms refer to the important role that these individuals play in creating the texts that are performed in musical productions.