antonym

IPA/ˈæntənɪm/
IPA/ˈæntənɪm/

antonym — noun

  • antonymsingular
  • antonymsplural

1. a word used when you want to say the direct reverse of another word, such as col

1.nounB2
Definition

a word used when you want to say the direct reverse of another word, such as cold for hot

Example

Samir wrote 'cold' as the antonym of 'hot' on the board.

the antonym of + [word]

Ada checked the word list to find an antonym for 'generous'.

find an antonym for + [word]

Common collocations
  • exact antonym
  • direct antonym
  • antonym of a word
  • find an antonym
Synonyms
  • opposite word

    an informal classroom explanation rather than the standard dictionary term.

  • contrasting term

    broader and less common; it does not always name a true opposite.

Antonyms
  • synonym

    a synonym shares a similar meaning instead of reversing it.

Grammar Patterns

the antonym of + [word]

find an antonym for + [word]

Usage Note

Usually appears in vocabulary study, dictionary work, or classroom questions. Distinguish from synonym: a synonym stays close in meaning, while an antonym points in the opposite direction.

Common Mistakes

The antonym of sunny is rainy weather.
The antonym of sunny is rainy or cloudy.
an antonym is usually given as a single word, not a longer phrase.
Teacher is the antonym of student.
Teacher and student are related roles, but they are not antonyms.
antonyms express opposite meanings, not simply different people in one situation.

Word family

  • antonymy
    nounC2
  • antonymic
    adjectiveC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Use antonym when two words point in opposite directions in meaning, such as hot and cold or early and late. A synonym stays close in meaning, like big and large. A homonym shares spelling or sound with another word but may carry a different meaning, while a homophone only shares pronunciation. In everyday teaching, people sometimes say opposite, but antonym is the exact dictionary label for an opposite-meaning partner. If a workbook asks for an antonym, give a word that reverses the meaning, not just a related classroom word from the same topic. For example, teacher is related to student, but it is not an antonym in the way full and empty are.

synonym ↗homonym ↗homophone ↗opposite ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • antonym pair
  • antonym exercise
  • antonym question

Phrases

  • find an antonym
  • give an antonym
  • learn antonyms and synonyms

Prepositions

  • antonym of
  • antonym for

Etymology

Ancient GreekModern English

Antonym was formed from Greek parts meaning 'against' and 'name' or 'word'. English uses it to label the word that stands in the opposite meaning relation to another word.