contronyms
Words meaning both opposites
Contronyms are words that have two opposite or contradictory meanings.
To sanction can mean to approve or to penalize.
To cleave can mean to split apart or to cling together.
Dust can mean to remove particles dust the furniture or to add them dust the cake with sugar.
Also called auto-antonyms or Janus words.
Split or adhere
Word having related meanings
- homographsIdentically spelled distinct words
- semanticOf meaning in language
- lexicalOf or relating to words
- etymologyWord origin study
morphology · syntax · contextual · bivalent · homophones · contranyms · usage · definition
Uncertain in meaning
- vaguenessAbsence of precision
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
- indeterminacyLack of fixed outcome
- unclearNot easily understood
interpretation · miscommunication · double-edged · slippery · treacherous · confusing · misleading · perplexing
Self-contradicting phrase device
- ironyMeaning opposite to words
- anomalyDeparture from the expected
- inconsistencyLack of steady pattern
- conundrumPerplexing problem or question
puzzle · riddle · twist · counterintuitive · illogical · absurdity · catch-22
Terms with contrary meanings
- inverseOpposite in position
- reversalComplete change of direction
- inversionReversal of position
- dichotomyDivision into contrasting parts
bipolarity · complementarity · antithesis · juxtaposition · two-faced · flip-flop · bifurcated
cleave
Split or adhere
- sanctionApproval or punitive measure
- dustFine settled particles
- oversightSupervision or inadvertent omission
buckle · trim · seed · weather · left · screen · bolt · fast · clip · strike
polysemy
Word having related meanings
- homographsIdentically spelled distinct words
- semanticOf meaning in language
- lexicalOf or relating to words
etymology · morphology · syntax · contextual · bivalent · homophones · contranyms · usage · definition · dictionary
equivocal
Uncertain in meaning
- vaguenessAbsence of precision
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
- indeterminacyLack of fixed outcome
unclear · interpretation · miscommunication · double-edged · slippery · treacherous · confusing · misleading · perplexing · baffling
oxymoron
Self-contradicting phrase device
- ironyMeaning opposite to words
- anomalyDeparture from the expected
- inconsistencyLack of steady pattern
conundrum · puzzle · riddle · twist · counterintuitive · illogical · absurdity · catch-22
opposites
Terms with contrary meanings
dichotomy · bipolarity · complementarity · antithesis · juxtaposition · two-faced · flip-flop · bifurcated