Words Meaning Opposite Words

To reduce in amount, degree, or

Abate, Attenuate Increase, Intensify
severity

Abase, Demean, Degrade To humble; disgrace Elevate, Exalt

Deviating from what is normal or

Aberrant, Anomalous Normal, Typical
expected

Abjure, Renounce To reject; abandon formally Embrace, Accept

Abridge, Curtail To reduce the length of; shorten Expand, Extend

Abscond, Flee, Escape To leave secretly Stay, Remain

Abstain, Refrain To choose not to do something Indulge, Partake

Abysmal, Profound Extremely deep; profound Shallow, Superficial

Accolade, Praise An expression of praise or admiration Criticism, Censure

To accept something reluctantly but

Acquiesce, Comply Resist, Oppose
without protest

Adroit, Adept Skillful; expert Clumsy, Inept

Advocate, Champion To speak in favor of Oppose, Hinder

Concerning the appreciation of

Aesthetic, Tasteful Vulgar, Tacky
beauty

Affluent, Prosperous Wealthy; having abundant resources Poor, Destitute

Quick and well-coordinated in

Agile, Nimble Clumsy, Sluggish
movement

Alleviate, Mitigate To make more bearable Aggravate, Worsen

Altruistic, Selfless Showing unselfish concern for others Selfish, Egotistic

 Unclear; open to more than one
Ambiguous, Vague Clear, Explicit
interpretation

Amiable, Congenial Friendly; agreeable Hostile, Unfriendly

Without a clearly defined shape or

Amorphous, Shapeless Defined, Structured
form

Amplify, Intensify To increase in volume or intensity Reduce, Diminish

Anarchy, Chaos Disorder; absence of authority Order, Harmony

Animosity, Hostility Strong hostility; antagonism Friendship, Harmony

Anomaly, Irregularity Deviation from what is normal Norm, Standard

Antagonize, Provoke To annoy or provoke to anger Pacify, Appease

Apathy, Indifference Lack of interest or emotion Interest, Concern

Apex, Pinnacle Highest point; peak Bottom, Nadir

Apocryphal, Dubious Of doubtful authenticity Genuine, Authentic

Arbitrary, Random Determined by impulse or chance Systematic, Planned

Arid, Dry Lacking water; dry Humid, Moist

Articulate, Eloquent Clear and effective in speech Inarticulate, Mumbled

Ascend, Rise To move upward Descend, Fall

Assiduous, Diligent Hardworking; persistent Lazy, Negligent

Astute, Shrewd Having good judgment; clever Naive, Foolish

Audacious, Bold Fearlessly daring Timid, Cautious

Authentic, Genuine Genuine; real Fake, Counterfeit

Aversion, Dislike Strong dislike; opposition Liking, Preference

Avid, Eager Showing keen interest or enthusiasm Indifferent, Apathetic

Benevolent, Kind Well-meaning; charitable Malevolent, Cruel

Benign, Gentle Kind and gentle; favorable Harmful, Malignant

Brevity, Conciseness Briefness; succinctness Verbosity, Long-Windedness

Cacophony, Discord Harsh mixture of sounds Harmony, Melody

Candor, Honesty Openness; frankness Deceit, Dishonesty

Capitulate, Surrender To surrender Resist, Fight

Caustic, Corrosive Sarcastic in a bitter way Soothing, Gentle

Censure, Criticize To express disapproval Praise, Commend

Cerebral, Intellectual Relating to the brain or intellect Simple, Unintelligent

Charismatic, Charming Attractive and charming Repellent, Repulsive

Coalesce, Merge To unite; combine Separate, Divide

Coerce, Compel To force someone to do something Persuade, Convince

Complacent, Smug Self-satisfied; overly content Concerned, Worried

Concise, Succinct Brief and to the point Wordy, Verbose

Concur, Agree To agree Disagree, Dissent

Condone, Overlook To forgive; accept behavior Condemn, Punish

Confound, Perplex To confuse Clarify, Explain

Confound, Amaze To astonish Expect, Understand

Conspicuous, Noticeable Easily seen or noticed Inconspicuous, Hidden

Contentious, Argumentative Likely to cause an argument Harmonious, Agreeable

Complicated and difficult to

Convoluted, Complex Simple, Straightforward
understand

Covet, Desire To crave; desire Content, Satisfied

Cunning, Crafty Sly or clever Naive, Innocent

Debilitate, Weaken To weaken Strengthen, Fortify

Defer, Delay To postpone Expedite, Hasten

Deficit, Shortage Lack or shortage Surplus, Excess

Defy, Challenge To resist Obey, Comply

Deft, Skillful Skillful and quick Clumsy, Awkward

Demure, Modest Reserved in manner Bold, Forward

Denounce, Condemn To criticize Praise, Commend

Deride, Mock To ridicule Praise, Applaud

Desolate, Barren Barren; empty Fertile, Fruitful

Despondent, Dejected Depressed; discouraged Joyful, Elated

Destitute, Impoverished Poor and lacking Wealthy, Affluent

Detrimental, Harmful Harmful; damaging Beneficial, Helpful

Devious, Cunning Sneaky; deceitful Direct, Straightforward

Dexterity, Skill Skillfulness; agility Clumsiness, Ineptitude

Didactic, Instructive Intended to teach or instruct Confusing, Unclear

Diligent, Industrious Hardworking; industrious Lazy, Idle

Diminish, Decrease To reduce Increase, Enhance

Dire, Urgent Extremely serious or urgent Mild, Trivial

Discreet, Cautious Prudent; careful Careless, Reckless

Disparage, Belittle To criticize Praise, Compliment

Disparate, Distinct Fundamentally different Similar, Alike

Distraught, Troubled Agitated; upset Calm, Composed

Diverse, Varied Varied; different Uniform, Identical

Docile, Obedient Easily managed; compliant Stubborn, Defiant

Dogmatic, Rigid Rigidly adhering to beliefs Flexible, Open-Minded

Dormant, Inactive Inactive; asleep Active, Dynamic

Dubious, Doubtful Doubtful; uncertain Certain, Sure

Dwindle, Diminish To become smaller or less Increase, Expand

Eloquent, Articulate Fluent and persuasive in speech Inarticulate, Mumbling

Elusive, Evasive Difficult to find or capture Direct, Straightforward

Embellish, Adorn To decorate; enhance Simplify, Plain

To imitate with effort to equal or

Emulate, Imitate Neglect, Ignore
surpass

Enigma, Puzzle Puzzle; mystery Solution, Answer

Enrage, Infuriate To make very angry Pacify, Soothe

Enthrall, Captivate To captivate; charm Bore, Repel

Eradicate, Eliminate To remove completely Create, Establish

Erratic, Unpredictable Irregular; unpredictable Consistent, Stable

Euphoric, Ecstatic Intensely happy Miserable, Despondent

Evade, Avoid To escape Confront, Face

Exacerbate, Aggravate To worsen Alleviate, Mitigate

Exalt, Elevate To praise; raise in rank Depreciate, Degrade

Exemplary, Commendable Worthy of imitation Blameworthy, Faulty

Exonerate, Absolve To clear from blame Convict, Incriminate

Extricate, Free To free from constraint Entangle, Ensnare

Fabricate, Concoct To invent Uncover, Expose

Fastidious, Meticulous Meticulous; attentive to detail Careless, Sloppy

Feasible, Practical Possible; achievable Impractical, Unrealistic

Felicitous, Apt Well-suited; fitting Inappropriate, Unfitting

Fervent, Passionate Intensely passionate Indifferent, Apathetic

Fickle, Capricious Inconstant; changeable Constant, Steady

Flagrant, Glaring Blatantly offensive Concealed, Hidden

Flamboyant, Ostentatious Showy; extravagant Modest, Reserved

Flourish, Prosper To thrive Decline, Deteriorate

Formidable, Daunting Inspiring fear or respect Easy, Simple

Fortuitous, Fortunate Happening by chance Unlucky, Unfortunate

Frugal, Economical Economical; thrifty Wasteful, Extravagant

Furtive, Secretive Stealthy; secretive Open, Transparent

Garrulous, Talkative Excessively talkative Quiet, Reserved

Gluttony, Overindulgence Excessive eating or drinking Moderation, Restraint

Grandiose, Extravagant Impressive and imposing Simple, Modest

Gregarious, Sociable Social; outgoing Antisocial, Solitary

Guile, Deceit Cunning or deceitful behavior Honesty, Sincerity

Harangue, Lecture A long, passionate speech Praise, Compliment

Haughty, Arrogant Arrogant; proud Humble, Modest

Hedonist, Pleasure-Seeker One who seeks pleasure Ascetic, Abstainer

Heretic, Dissenter One who holds unorthodox beliefs Conformist, Believer

Hierarchy, Ranking A system of ranking Equality, Flatness

Homogeneous, Uniform Uniform; similar Diverse, Varied

Hostile, Antagonistic Unfriendly; aggressive Friendly, Welcoming

Hypocrite, Pretender One who pretends Sincere, Genuine

Iconoclast, Rebel A rebel Conformist, Traditionalist

Ignoble, Dishonorable Dishonorable; shameful Honorable, Noble

Illicit, Illegal Illegal; forbidden by law Legal, Lawful

Immutable, Unchangeable Unchangeable; permanent Flexible, Alterable

Impede, Obstruct To hinder Aid, Assist

Imperious, Overbearing Arrogant; domineering Humble, Meek

Impetuous, Impulsive Impulsive; acting without thinking Cautious, Deliberate

Impudent, Insolent Rude; disrespectful Respectful, Polite

Incessant, Continual Constant; unceasing Occasional, Sporadic

Incisive, Penetrating Sharp; keen Dull, Blunt

Incoherent, Disjointed Lacking coherence Coherent, Unified

Incongruous, Inconsistent Inappropriate; not fitting Consistent, Fitting

Indifferent, Apathetic Without interest or concern Concerned, Interested

Indignant, Outraged Angry; annoyed Calm, Composed

Indolent, Lazy Lazy; inactive Active, Industrious

Inept, Incompetent Incompetent; unskilled Skilled, Capable

Inevitable, Unavoidable Unavoidable; certain to happen Avoidable, Preventable

Inexorable, Relentless Relentless; unyielding Flexible, Yielding

Infamous, Notorious Notoriously bad Honorable, Respected

Inhibit, Restrain To hold back Promote, Encourage

Innate, Inherent Inborn; natural Acquired, Learned

Innocuous, Harmless Harmless; inoffensive Harmful, Dangerous

Inscrutable, Mysterious Mysterious; hard to understand Transparent, Clear

Insipid, Bland Bland; lacking flavor Flavorful, Exciting

Instigate, Provoke To provoke Prevent, Discourage

Insurgent, Rebel Rebel; revolutionary Loyalist, Supporter

Intermittent, Sporadic Occasional; sporadic Continuous, Constant

Intrepid, Fearless Fearless; brave Timid, Cowardly

Intricate, Complex Complicated; detailed Simple, Straightforward

Inveterate, Habitual Long-standing habit Occasional, Sporadic

Invidious, Jealous Envious; causing ill will Admirable, Commendable

Irate, Enraged Very angry Calm, Composed

Irksome, Annoying Annoying; irritating Pleasing, Enjoyable

Irreverent, Disrespectful Disrespectful; not showing respect Respectful, Reverent

Jocular, Joking Playful; joking Serious, Solemn

Juxtapose, Compare To place side by side for comparison Separate, Isolate

Kindle, Ignite To ignite Extinguish, Douse

Languid, Sluggish Lacking energy Energetic, Lively

Laud, Praise To praise Criticize, Condemn

Lavish, Extravagant Extravagant; generous Frugal, Economical

Lethargic, Sluggish Sluggish; lacking energy Energetic, Lively

Levity, Frivolity Lightness of manner Gravity, Seriousness

Lofty, Elevated High; elevated Low, Humble

Lucid, Clear Clear; easily understood Confusing, Unclear

Luminous, Radiant Bright; shining Dull, Dim

Magnanimous, Generous Generous; forgiving Selfish, Stingy

Magnate, Tycoon Wealthy and influential person Peasant, Commoner

Malicious, Spiteful Spiteful; intending harm Benevolent, Kind

Malleable, Adaptable Flexible; easily influenced Rigid, Inflexible

Meager, Scanty Lacking in quantity Abundant, Plentiful

Meander, Wander To wander aimlessly Direct, Straight

Melancholy, Gloomy Sadness; depression Cheerful, Happy

Meticulous, Thorough Extremely careful Careless, Sloppy

Mitigate, Alleviate To make less severe Aggravate, Worsen

Mundane, Ordinary Ordinary; common Extraordinary, Exceptional

Negligent, Careless Careless; not paying proper attention Attentive, Careful

Notorious, Infamous Famous for something bad Unknown, Obscure

Novel, Innovative New and unusual Commonplace, Ordinary

Nuance, Subtlety Subtle distinction Obviousness, Clarity

Obsolete, Outdated Outdated; no longer in use Modern, Current

Obtuse, Blunt Dull; lacking sharpness Sharp, Acute

Omnipotent, All-Powerful All-powerful; having unlimited power Powerless, Weak

Onerous, Burdensome Burdensome; difficult to bear Easy, Manageable

Opulent, Wealthy Wealthy; rich Poor, Impoverished

Ornate, Elaborate Elaborately decorated Plain, Simple

Ostentatious, Showy Showy; intended to impress Modest, Restrained

Paltry, Insignificant Insignificant; trivial Significant, Substantial

Paradox, Contradiction Contradiction; inconsistency Certainty, Clarity

Partisan, Biased Biased; favoring one side Impartial, Neutral

Pensive, Thoughtful Thoughtful; reflective Careless, Thoughtless

Perennial, Enduring Enduring; lasting Temporary, Fleeting

Perplex, Confuse To confuse Clarify, Explain

Pious, Devout Devoutly religious Irreligious, Atheistic

Placid, Calm Calm; peaceful Turbulent, Agitated

Plausible, Credible Believable; likely to be true Unlikely, Improbable

Pompous, Pretentious Pretentious; arrogant Humble, Modest

Ponderous, Cumbersome Heavy; slow and clumsy Light, Agile

Pragmatic, Practical Practical; realistic Idealistic, Impractical

Precarious, Uncertain Uncertain; risky Stable, Secure

Predecessor, Ancestor Ancestor; earlier version Successor, Descendant

Prodigal, Wasteful Wasteful; spending money recklessly Frugal, Thrifty

Profound, Deep Deep; insightful Superficial, Shallow

Prolific, Fruitful Productive; fertile Barren, Sterile

Prowess, Skill Skill; expertise Ineptitude, Clumsiness

Prudent, Wise Wise; careful and cautious Foolish, Unwise

Pungent, Sharp Sharp; intense in smell or taste Mild, Bland

Charming; attractive in an unusual

Quaint, Charming Ugly, Unattractive
way

Quandary, Dilemma Dilemma; difficult situation Certainty, Solution

Quiescent, Inactive Inactive; dormant Active, Lively

Rancor, Bitterness Bitterness; resentment Kindness, Goodwill

Raze, Demolish To demolish Build, Construct

Rebuke, Reprimand To reprimand Praise, Compliment

Recalcitrant, Obstinate Stubborn; resistant to authority Compliant, Yielding

Redundant, Repetitive Repetitive; unnecessary Concise, Succinct

Refute, Disprove To prove wrong Confirm, Prove

Relegate, Demote To demote Promote, Advance

Relinquish, Abandon To give up Retain, Keep

Resilient, Durable Able to recover quickly Fragile, Delicate

Resolute, Determined Determined; firm in purpose Irresolute, Indecisive

Retract, Withdraw To withdraw Extend, Expand

Reverent, Respectful Respectful; showing respect Irreverent, Disrespectful

Rhetoric, Oratory Persuasive speaking Conciseness, Terseness

Robust, Vigorous Strong; healthy Weak, Feeble

Rudimentary, Basic Basic; fundamental Advanced, Complex

Salient, Prominent Prominent; noticeable Insignificant, Obscure

Sanctimonious, Hypocritical Hypocritical; pretending to be devout Genuine, Sincere

Sanguine, Optimistic Optimistic; cheerful Pessimistic, Gloomy

Sardonic, Mocking Mocking; sarcastic Affectionate, Loving

Satiate, Satisfy To satisfy fully Deprive, Starve

Scrupulous, Meticulous Meticulous; attentive to detail Careless, Negligent

Serene, Tranquil Calm; peaceful Turbulent, Agitated

Servile, Submissive Submissive; obedient Assertive, Independent

Shrewd, Astute Clever; astute Naive, Foolish

Skeptic, Doubter Doubter; skeptic Believer, Advocate

Soporific, Dull Sleep-inducing Stimulating, Exciting

Sporadic, Intermittent Occasional; irregular Continuous, Constant

Spurious, False False; counterfeit Genuine, Authentic

Squander, Waste To waste Save, Conserve

Stagnant, Inactive Inactive; not moving Active, Dynamic

Indifferent; unaffected by pleasure or

Stoic, Indifferent Emotional, Sensitive
pain

Strident, Harsh Loud and harsh Gentle, Soft

Subtle, Delicate Delicate; not obvious Obvious, Blatant

Succinct, Concise Concise; brief and to the point Rambling, Verbose

Superficial, Shallow Shallow; lacking depth Deep, Profound

Sycophant, Flatterer Flatterer; overly attentive Critic, Skeptic

Taciturn, Silent Silent; reserved Talkative, Loquacious

Tactile, Tangible Tangible; perceptible by touch Abstract, Intangible

Tantamount, Equivalent Equivalent; equal in value or effect Different, Unlike

Tenuous, Weak Weak; flimsy Strong, Solid

Terse, Succinct Concise; brief and to the point Rambling, Verbose

Thrive, Flourish To prosper Decline, Wither

Torpor, Lethargy Lethargy; sluggishness Activity, Energy

Trivial, Insignificant Insignificant; unimportant Important, Significant

Truculent, Aggressive Aggressive; fierce Peaceful, Gentle

Ubiquitous, Omnipresent Omnipresent; everywhere at once Rare, Scarce

Unctuous, Oily Oily; excessively smooth or smug Dry, Harsh

Urbane, Sophisticated Polished; refined Rustic, Unsophisticated

Usurp, Seize To seize by force Relinquish, Surrender

Vacillate, Hesitate To waver Decide, Commit

Venerate, Respect To respect Despise, Scorn

Verbose, Wordy Wordy; using too many words Concise, Succinct

Vestige, Trace Trace; remaining evidence Whole, Entirety

Viable, Feasible Feasible; capable of succeeding Impractical, Unrealistic

Vilify, Slander To slander Praise, Commend

Vindicate, Justify To justify Condemn, Accuse

Vindictive, Vengeful Vengeful; seeking revenge Forgiving, Merciful

Virulent, Toxic Toxic; harmful Benign, Harmless

Visionary, Idealistic Idealistic; having grand plans Practical, Realistic

Vitiate, Impair To impair Improve, Enhance

Volatile, Unstable Unstable; easily changeable Stable, Secure

Voluble, Talkative Talkative; fluent with words Silent, Reserved

Wane, Decrease To decrease Grow, Increase

Wary, Cautious Cautious; watchful Careless, Reckless

Whimsical, Fanciful Fanciful; playful Serious, Practical

Wistful, Nostalgic Nostalgic; yearning with sadness Content, Satisfied

Wrath, Anger Anger; fury Forgiveness, Mercy

Writhe, Twist To twist Straighten, Untwist

Zenith, Peak Peak; highest point Nadir, Bottom