ANTITHESIS Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

antithesis

noun

an-ˈti-thə-səs

Definition of antithesis

as in opposite

something that is as different as possible from something else true love for another is the antithesis of the desire to control that person's life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of antithesis The lack of acknowledgement on the use of glyphosate is the antithesis of regenerative agriculture and a leap backwards to the movement that acts as the most practical solution to fixing our food system. — Andrew Watman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 For those of us who are reckoning with our youthful tanning exploits, however, the idea of wearing an oil formula in place of a cream or lotion seems like the antithesis of sun safety. — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 20 July 2026 These are essentially the antithesis of the standard athletic shoe. — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026 Sumissura considers itself as the antithesis of fast fashion. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for antithesis

Recent Examples of Synonyms for antithesis

opposite

Noun

But other horses like that, or those that are completely the opposite, don’t have Gold Phoenix’s success rate or longevity.

— Jay Posner, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
The incentive for them is the opposite of what our forests need — protecting old, established trees that will survive pests and fire.

— Megan Schrader, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of opposite

Browse Nearby Words

antitheses

antithesis

antithetical

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Antithesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antithesis. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of antithesis

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on antithesis

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes