Grammar: Synonym versus Antonym

Revised as of
9 Mar 2023

One of the reasons that English is such a rich language is the plethora of words that mean essentially the same thing: the synonym. And, while the antonym is the opposite of a synonym, it does have its own collection of synonyms.

You might want to explore the post on “Cute, English is Such a Rich, Rich Language . . . and So” with its in-depth exploration of cute with its synonyms and the minute changes the different choices create in the meaning of a sentence.

In the synonym–antonym examples below, imagine how each word would affect the sentence or how the sentence itself could change its meaning.

Linguistics is . . .

. . . the systematic study of the nature, structure, and variation of language (of which grammar is a part), which describes how people use language. For the writer, how words are used (or spelled!) determines a character’s social and educational level and the time period for the story.

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Synonym versus Antonym
Part of Speech: Linguistics
Definition: A word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language AND both words belong to the same part of speech: an adjective for an adjective, a verb for a verb, etc. An antonym is its opposite. Post Contents Synonym Symbolic Synonym Antonym
Synonym	Definition: A word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language.
Return to top	Word Synonyms beautiful gorgeous pretty handsome good-looking alluring prepossessing lovely charming aesthetic stunning arresting glamorous bewitching beguiling graceful elegant exquisite artistic decorative delightful appealing engaging winsome ravishing magnificent buy Noun purchase investment acquisition gain deal value bargain Verb purchase acquire obtain get pick up take procure pay for invest in informal get hold of snatch up snap up grab score hot heated piping hot sizzling steaming roasting boiling (hot) searing scorching scalding burning red-hot very warm balmy summery tropical scorching broiling searing blistering sweltering torrid sultry humid muggy close boiling baking roasting feverish fevered febrile burning flushed sweaty pyretic spicy spiced highly seasoned peppery fiery strong piquant pungent aromatic zesty fierce intense keen competitive cutthroat dog-eat-dog ruthless aggressive strong new fresh recent late up to date up-to-the-minute just out hot off the press(es) real-time popular in demand sought-after in favor fashionable in vogue all the rage big in now hip trendy cool styling stylin’ good-looking sexy attractive gorgeous handsome beautiful comely fair stolen illegally obtained purloined pilfered illegal illicit unlawful smuggled fenced bootleg contraband aroused sexually aroused excited stimulated titillated inflamed turned on hot to trot here at this place in this place at this place in this place at this location in this location present in attendance attending at hand available to this place to this spot to this location over here nearer closer hither now at this moment at this point at this point in time at this juncture at this stage up on upon
Symbolic Synonym	Definition: A noun, it represents a particular quality or idea that it enables the writer to bypass paragraphs of explanation and still place a vivid picture in their readers’ minds.
Return to top	Word or Concept Synonyms sexual puritanism over-accessorized décor Victorian age A time of progress at the expense of the countryside Industrial Age chivalry prideful and loyal heroic figure “Song of Roland” King Arthur Lancelot knights of the Round Table The deliberate killing of a large group of people, especially those of a particular ethnic group, sexual orientation, or nation holocaust massacre genocide mass extermination
Antonym	Definition: A word or phrase that means the exact or nearly the exact opposite of a word or phrase in the same language.
Return to top	Synonym Antonyms beautiful ugly buy Verb sell hot cold chilled mild chilly weak frigid old stale out of fashion unpopular unappealing lawful here absent up down

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C’mon, get it out of your system, bitch, whine, moan . . . which words are your pet peeves? Also, please note that I try to be as accurate as I can, but mistakes happen or I miss something. Email me if you find errors, so I can fix them . . . and we’ll all benefit!

Satisfy your curiosity about other Linguistics posts by exploring its homepage or more generally explore the index of self-editing posts. You may also want to explore Book Layout & Formatting Ideas, Formatting Tips, Grammar Explanations, the Properly Punctuated, Word Confusions, Writing Ideas and Resources, and Working Your Website.

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Pinterest Photo Credits

Jack Sprat and His Wife are from My Favorite Nursery Rhyme, <http://www.nurseryrymes.com/jack-sprat.html>.