Lyrist is a word that refers to a songwriter or poet who composes lyrics for music. However, there are several synonyms available for this word that can be used interchangeably. For example, a lyricist is someone who writes lyrics for songs, and a wordsmith is a skilled writer who crafts words with finesse. A bard is a poet who sings or recites verse, and a troubadour is a poet or musician who composes and performs songs, traditionally in a high social class. A balladeer is someone who writes and sings ballads, while a minstrel is a traveling entertainer who sings and recites poetry. All of these words can be used in place of lyrist to describe someone who writes or performs music and poetry.