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/ænˈtɪθəsəs/, /ænˈtɪθɪsɪs/.

Other forms: antitheses

An antithesis is the complete opposite of something. Though the counterculture was strong in America in 1968, voters elected Richard Nixon, the antithesis of a hippie.

The noun antithesis comes from a Greek root meaning "opposition" and "set against." It's often used today when describing two ideas or terms that are placed in strong contrast to each other. We might come across antithesis in school if we learn about the "Hegelian dialectic." There, the thesis , or main idea put forward in an argument, is countered with its opposite idea — the antithesis — and the two are finally reconciled in a third proposition, the synthesis . An antithesis wouldn't exist without a thesis because it works as a comparison.

  • noun exact opposite “his theory is the antithesis of mine” see more see less type of: oppositeness , opposition the relation between opposed entities
  • noun the juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas to give a feeling of balance see more see less type of: rhetorical device a use of language that creates a literary effect (but often without regard for literal significance)

Vocabulary lists containing antithesis

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Learn these words beginning with the prefix anti , meaning "against," "in opposition to," or "opposite of." Want to increase your prefix power? Learn our complete set of Power Prefix lists: anti- , con- , dis- , ex- , fore- , inter- , mis- , pre- , pro- , sub- , super- , trans- , uni-

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of ' ' (n): npl: antitheses

WordReference English Thesaurus © 2024
Opposition , contradiction, contraposition, contrariety, opposition, conflict , counterpoint Opposite , reverse , converse, opposite , polar opposite, contrary , antithesis

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Synonyms for Antithesis

945 other terms for antithesis - words and phrases with similar meaning.

Synonyms for Antithesis

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[ an- tith - uh -sis ]

the antithesis of right and wrong.

Her behavior was the very antithesis of cowardly.

Synonyms: reverse , opposite

  • the placing of a sentence or one of its parts against another to which it is opposed to form a balanced contrast of ideas, as in “Give me liberty or give me death.”
  • the second sentence or part thus set in opposition, as “or give me death.”
  • Philosophy. Hegelian dialectic

/ ænˈtɪθɪsɪs /

  • the exact opposite
  • contrast or opposition
  • rhetoric the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, phrases, or words so as to produce an effect of balance, such as my words fly up, my thoughts remain below
  • philosophy the second stage in the Hegelian dialectic contradicting the thesis before resolution by the synthesis

Other Words From

  • self-an·tithe·sis noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of antithesis 1

Example Sentences

In the Democratic primary in his home state, he was humiliated by his old antithesis Wallace, who beat him decisively.

It cannot be stressed enough that the behavior of the sitting president is the antithesis of the ideals of American democracy, institutions or peaceful transitions.

American Christians may have chosen cynicism in 2016, but cynicism is the antithesis of the Christian faith, and cynicism won’t have the final word in America, either.

The transhuman cannot exist outside of ubuntu, of course, which is the antithesis of the colonial order for a number of reasons.

Tesla’s being touted as a go-go player in the antithesis of a go-go sector.

Belle Knox is the antithesis of Jenna Jameson—and not just in looks.

To me this is the antithesis of what travel should be about.

Married at First Sight is the antithesis of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette.

Yet its sound is the musical antithesis of a blended Frappuccino.

Now Joffrey, the Starks' black-hearted antithesis, has met a similar fate.

If you did fail, you would try Exclusion, and you would find nothing which is the antithesis of the area of New York.

Thus seen, socialism appeared as the very antithesis of law and order, of love and chastity, and of religion itself.

There is, however, but little danger of overdoing the parallel construction where there is no antithesis.

Nor is it to be wondered at, if we consider the antithesis which is presented to their usual mode of life.

He is a sentimental Classicist, and his subjects the antithesis of the Grco-Roman ideal to which he does homage in his technique.

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Definition of antithesis noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

  • Love is the antithesis of selfishness.
  • Students finishing their education at 16 is the very antithesis of what society needs.
  • The current establishment is the antithesis of democracy.
  • antithesis between
  • antithesis of

Join our community to access the latest language learning and assessment tips from Oxford University Press!

  • There is an antithesis between the needs of the state and the needs of the people.
  • the sharp antithesis between their views

Nearby words

Cambridge Dictionary

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Meaning of antithesis in English

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  • antithetical
  • anything but idiom
  • countervailing force
  • diametrical
  • dichotomist
  • dichotomous
  • or otherwise idiom

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

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Antithesis | intermediate english, examples of antithesis, translations of antithesis.

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? ? Here's a list of from our that you can use instead. ) ) Opposite of something that is in opposition to something else of a ruler who cares and connects with the common people.” of clever poetic wordplay.” of circumstances bearing on my visitor.” .”
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Synonyms of antonym

  • as in opposite
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Thesaurus Definition of antonym

Synonyms & Similar Words

  • counterpoint
  • mirror image

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

  • counterpart
  • carbon copy

Articles Related to antonym

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Cite this entry.

“Antonym.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antonym. Accessed 14 Jul. 2024.

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COMMENTS

  1. 24 Synonyms & Antonyms for ANTITHESIS

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  2. ANTITHESIS Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

    Find 21 synonyms and antonyms for antithesis, a word meaning something that is as different as possible from something else. See examples, definitions, and related words for antithesis.

  3. What is another word for antithesis

    Find synonyms for antithesis, a word that means a contrast or opposition between two things. Browse a list of similar words from different contexts, such as nouns, verbs, and phrases.

  4. Antithesis Definition & Meaning

    Antithesis is the direct opposite or the rhetorical contrast of ideas. Synonyms include antipode, contrary, negative, obverse, reverse, and opposite.

  5. ANTITHESIS

    Find 11 words and phrases that mean the same or the opposite of antithesis, such as direct, reverse, or contrast. Learn the definition and examples of antithesis, a literary device that sets opposites in one sentence.

  6. Antithesis

    antithesis: 1 n exact opposite "his theory is the antithesis of mine" Type of: oppositeness , opposition the relation between opposed entities n the juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas to give a feeling of balance Type of: rhetorical device a use of language that creates a literary effect (but often without regard for literal significance)

  7. Synonyms of ANTITHESIS

    Find synonyms for antithesis, a word that means the exact opposite, contrast, or contradiction, in different contexts and varieties of English. See examples, definitions, and related terms for antithesis.

  8. ANTITHESIS in Thesaurus: 1000+ Synonyms & Antonyms for ANTITHESIS

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  9. Antithesis Synonyms and Antonyms

    Find 25 synonyms and antonyms for antithesis, a word meaning opposition or contrast. Learn how to use antithesis in sentences and explore related words.

  10. antithesis

    Find synonyms for antithesis, a word that means opposition or contrast, in English and other languages. Learn how to use antithesis in sentences and see examples from the forums.

  11. Antithesis synonyms

    Another way to say Antithesis? Synonyms for Antithesis (other words and phrases for Antithesis).

  12. ANTITHESIS Definition & Meaning

    Antithesis definition: opposition; contrast. See examples of ANTITHESIS used in a sentence.

  13. ANTITHESIS

    ANTITHESIS definition: 1. the exact opposite: 2. a difference or opposition between two things: 3. the exact opposite: . Learn more.

  14. antithesis noun

    Definition of antithesis noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

  15. ANTITHESIS Synonyms

    Find synonyms for antithesis, a word that means the exact opposite or the placing together of contrasting ideas or words. See examples, definitions and related terms for antithesis in different contexts.

  16. ANTITHESIS

    ANTITHESIS meaning: 1. the exact opposite: 2. a difference or opposition between two things: 3. the exact opposite: . Learn more.

  17. 92 Synonyms & Antonyms for ANTITHESIS AND SYNTHESIS

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  18. ANTITHESES Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

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  19. What is the opposite of antithesis

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  20. ANTITHETICAL Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

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  24. ANTONYM Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

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