contronym
Word opposing itself
A contronym is a word that has two opposite or contradictory meanings.
Cleave can mean to split apart or to cling together.
Sanction can mean to permit or to penalize.
Dust can mean to remove fine particles or to apply them.
Also called an auto-antonym or Janus word.
examples
Split or adhere
semantics
Word having related meanings
- homographShared spelling, separate meanings
- double meaningOne phrase, two senses
- multivalenceHaving multiple meanings or values
phenomenon
Twofold nature
- oppositionActive resistance or dissent
- reversalComplete change of direction
- inversionReversal of position
- ambiguityOpenness to multiple interpretations
paradox · incongruity · antithesis · polarity · dichotomy · wordplay
cleave
Split or adhere
- sanctionApproval or punitive measure
- oversightSupervision or inadvertent omission
- screenDisplay or barrier
bound · clip · dust · fast · left · rent · seed · strike · trim · weather
polysemy
Word having related meanings
- homographShared spelling, separate meanings
- double meaningOne phrase, two senses
- multivalenceHaving multiple meanings or values
duality
Twofold nature
- oppositionActive resistance or dissent
- reversalComplete change of direction
- inversionReversal of position
ambiguity · paradox · incongruity · antithesis · polarity · dichotomy · wordplay
autoantonym
Word with opposing meanings