Antonym

/ˈæntənɪm/
noun

A word that means the opposite of another word.

'Hot' is an antonym of 'cold'.
Visual representation of "antonym" - A word that means the opposite of another word

Often appears as...

  • 'antonym of'
  • 'direct antonym'
noun

A word that means the opposite of another word.

'Hot' is an antonym of 'cold'.
Visual representation of "antonym" - A word that means the opposite of another word

Often appears as...

  • 'antonym of'
  • 'direct antonym'
Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "antonym"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Contextual Use

Understand the context, as some antonyms can have different opposites based on the situation.

Illustration for Contextual Use
The antonym of 'light' can be 'dark' or 'heavy' depending on the context.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Vocabulary Expansion

Knowing antonyms can double vocabulary as it teaches the opposites of known words.

Illustration for Vocabulary Expansion
Learning 'antonym' helps you quickly double your word list by adding opposites.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Indirect Antonyms

Some antonyms are not exact opposites but have subtly different meanings or levels of intensity.

Illustration for Indirect Antonyms
'Sad' is an indirect antonym for 'happy' as is 'melancholic', depending on the intensity.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Contextual Use

Understand the context, as some antonyms can have different opposites based on the situation.

Illustration for Contextual Use
The antonym of 'light' can be 'dark' or 'heavy' depending on the context.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Vocabulary Expansion

Knowing antonyms can double vocabulary as it teaches the opposites of known words.

Illustration for Vocabulary Expansion
Learning 'antonym' helps you quickly double your word list by adding opposites.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Indirect Antonyms

Some antonyms are not exact opposites but have subtly different meanings or levels of intensity.

Illustration for Indirect Antonyms
'Sad' is an indirect antonym for 'happy' as is 'melancholic', depending on the intensity.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Contextual Use

Understand the context, as some antonyms can have different opposites based on the situation.

Illustration for Contextual Use
The antonym of 'light' can be 'dark' or 'heavy' depending on the context.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Vocabulary Expansion

Knowing antonyms can double vocabulary as it teaches the opposites of known words.

Illustration for Vocabulary Expansion
Learning 'antonym' helps you quickly double your word list by adding opposites.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Indirect Antonyms

Some antonyms are not exact opposites but have subtly different meanings or levels of intensity.

Illustration for Indirect Antonyms
'Sad' is an indirect antonym for 'happy' as is 'melancholic', depending on the intensity.
Visual representation of the word "Antonym"

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Quote examples

Ann Widdecombe

British Politician

Happiness is best defined by its antonym, which is less 'unhappiness' than 'anxiety.' Anyone who is not oppressed by intolerable worry or grievous pain is almost certainly happy, whether rich or poor, well or ill, successful or frustrated.
Portrait of Ann Widdecombe

Quote examples

Ann Widdecombe

British Politician

Happiness is best defined by its antonym, which is less 'unhappiness' than 'anxiety.' Anyone who is not oppressed by intolerable worry or grievous pain is almost certainly happy, whether rich or poor, well or ill, successful or frustrated.
Portrait of Ann Widdecombe
Example 1 of 1
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