antagonym

noun

an·​tag·​o·​nym an-ˈta-gə-ˌnim How to pronounce antagonym (audio)
plural antagonyms
: contronym
… I think you've discovered a new antagonym … —a word with two opposite meanings. More familiar examples of antagonyms are cleave, which can mean either "cut apart" or "stick together"; and fast, as in "run fast" versus "hold fast."Barbara Wallraff, Times Union (Albany, New York), 18 Nov. 2007

Word History

First Known Use

1999, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antagonym was in 1999

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near antagonym

Cite this Entry

“Antagonym.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antagonym. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!