There are several synonyms for the acronym NHL, which stands for National Hockey League. One of the most common synonyms is simply "hockey league", as NHL is the largest and most well-known professional hockey league in North America. Another synonym for NHL is "professional ice hockey league", as it distinguishes the league from amateur or collegiate levels of play. Additionally, some people may refer to the NHL as the "big leagues" of hockey, implying that it is the highest level of competition. Other synonyms for NHL may include "major league hockey" or simply "the NHL", depending on the context.