Table Of ContentA Dictionary of
Synonyms and
Antonyms
Compiled by
ALAN SPOONER
OXTORD
UNIVERSITY PRESS
OXFORD
UNIVERSITY PRESS
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© main text Alan Spooner 1992,1997,1999
© Lexicon of Hard Words Janet Whitcut 1998,1999
Database right Oxford University Press (maker)
Main text first published as the Oxford Quick Reference Thesaurus 1997
This dictionary 1999
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ISBN 0-19-860286-3
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Using the dictionary
In this dictionary you will find
Headwords
The words you want to look up are printed in bold and arranged in
a single alphabetical sequence. In addition, there maybe sub-heads
in bold at the end of main entries for derived forms and phrases.
Synonyms
Synonyms are listed alphabetically, except that distinct senses of a
headword are numbered and treated separately.
Under some headwords, in addition to the lists of synonyms
given there, a cross-reference printed in sma l l ca pit a l s takes you
to another entry to provide an extended range of synonyms. These
cross-references are marked by the arrowhead symbol >.
Related words
Lists of words which are not synonyms but which have a common
relationship to the headword (eg, kinds of vehicle listed under
vehicle) are printed in italic, flagged by the symbol □.
Antonyms
Cross-reference printed in sma l l c a pit a l s introduce you to lists of
opposites. These cross-references are preceded by the abbreviation
Opp.
Part-of-speech labels
Part-of-speech labels are given throughout. (See list of abbrevi-
ations.) Under each headword, uses as adjective, adverb, noun, and
verb are separated by the symbol •.
Illustrative phrases
Meanings of less obvious senses are indicated by illustrative
phrases printed in italic.
Usage warnings
Usage markers in italic precede words which are normally
informal, derogatory, etc. (See list of abbreviations.)
Abbreviations used in this
dictionary
Parts of speech
adj adjective
adv adverb
int interjection
n noun
prep preposition
vb verb
Other abbreviations
derog normally used in a derogatory, negative, or
uncomplimentary sense
fem feminine
inf normally used informally
joc normally jocular or joking
old use old-fashioned or obsolete
opp opposites (antonyms)
plur plural
poet poetic
si slang
Amer word or phrase usually regarded as
American usage
Fr word or phrase common in English
contexts, but still identifiably French
Ger ditto German
Gr ditto Greek
It ditto Italian
Lat ditto Latin
Scot word or phrase usually regarded as Scottish
usage
>
This symbol shows that you will find
relevant information if you go to the
word indicated.
A
abandon v 1 evacuate, leave, quit, efficient, experienced, expert, inf
vacate, withdraw from. 2 break with, handy, intelligent, masterly, prac-
desert, inf dump, forsake, jilt, leave tised, proficient, skilful, skilled, tal-
behind, inf leave in the lurch, ented. Opp incompet ent. 2 allowed, at
maroon, renounce, strand, inf throw liberty, authorized, available, eligi-
over, inf wash your hands of. 3 aban- ble, fit, free, permitted, willing. Opp
don a claim, abdicate, cancel, cede, si UNABLE.
chuck in, discontinue, disown, inf
abnormal adj aberrant, anomalous,
ditch, drop, forfeit, forgo, give up,
atypical, inf bent, bizarre, curious,
relinquish, resign, surrender, waive,
deformed, deviant, distorted, ec-
yield.
centric, exceptional, extraordin-
abbey n cathedral, church, convent,
ary, freak, funny, idiosyncratic, ir-
friary, monastery, nunnery, priory.
regular, inf kinky, malformed, odd,
abbreviate v abridge, compress, peculiar, perverted, queer, singular,
condense, cut, digest, edit, precis, strange, uncharacteristic, un-
reduce, shorten, summarize, trun- natural, unorthodox, unrepres-
cate. Opp LENGTHEN. entative, untypical, unusual, way-
abdicate v renounce the throne, inf ward, weird. Opp nor mal.
step down. t> abandon, r esign. abolish v abrogate, annul, delete,
abduct v carry off, kidnap, inf make destroy, dispense with, do away with,
away with, seize. eliminate, end, eradicate, finish, inf
get rid of, liquidate, nullify, overturn,
abhor v detest, execrate, loathe,
put an end to, quash, remove, sup-
shudder at. t> hate.
press, terminate, withdraw. Opp cre-
abhorrent adj abominable,
ate.
detestable, execrable, loathsome,
nauseating, obnoxious, repellent, abominable adj abhorrent, ap-
revolting. t> hateful. Opp attractive. palling, atrocious, awful, base,
beastly, brutal, cruel, despicable,
abide v 1 accept, bear, endure, put
detestable, disgusting, dreadful, ex-
up with, stand, inf stomach, suffer,
ecrable, foul, hateful, heinous, hor-
tolerate. 2 > stat, abide by t> obey.
rible, inhuman, inhumane, loath-
ability n aptitude, bent, brains, cap-
some, nasty, obnoxious, odious,
ability, capacity, cleverness, com-
repellent, repugnant, repulsive, re-
petence, expertise, flair, genius, gift,
volting, terrible, vile. t> unpleasant .
intelligence, knack, inf know-
Opp PLEASANT.
how, knowledge, means, power,
proficiency, prowess, resources, abort v 1 be bom prematurely, die,
scope, skill, strength, talent, train- miscarry. 2 abort take-ojf. call off, end,
ing, wit. halt, nullify, stop, terminate.
ablaze adj afire, aflame, aglow, abortion n 1 miscarriage, premature
alight, blazing, burning, flaming, lit birth, termination of pregnancy. 2 t>
up, on fire, raging. MONSTER.
able adj 1 accomplished, adept, cap- abortive adj fruitless, futile, in-
able, clever, competent, effective, effective, pointless, stillborn, un-
2
abound
fruitful, unsuccessful, vain. Opp engross, enthral, fascinate, occupy,
SUCCESSFUL. preoccupy. > int er est , absorbed >
INTERESTED.
abound v be plentiful, flourish, pre-
vail, swarm, teem, thrive. absorbent adj absorptive, per-
meable, pervious, porous, spongy.
abrasive adj biting, caustic, galling,
Opp imper vious.
grating, harsh, hurtful, irritating,
rough, sharp. > unkind. Opp kind. absorbing adj engrossing, fascinat-
ing, gripping, spellbinding. > int er-
abridge v abbreviate, compress,
condense, cut, edit, precis, reduce, esting.
shorten, summarize, truncate. Opp abstain v abstain from avoid, cease,
EXPAND. deny yourself, desist from, eschew,
forgo, give up, go without, refrain
abridged adj abbreviated, bowdler-
from, refuse, resist, shun, withhold
ized, censored, compact, concise, cut,
from.
edited, inf potted, shortened.
abstemious adj ascetic, frugal,
abrupt adj 1 hasty, headlong, hur-
moderate, restrained, self-denying,
ried, precipitate, quick, rapid, sud-
den, unexpected, unforeseen. 2 an sparing, temperate. Opp self-indul -
abrupt drop, precipitous, sharp, sheer, gent .
steep. 3 an abrupt manner, blunt, abstract adj 1 academic, hypothet-
brisk, brusque, curt, discourteous, ical, indefinite, intangible, intel-
rude, snappy, terse, uncivil, ungra- lectual, metaphysical, notional,
cious. Opp GENTLE, GRADUAL. philosophical, theoretical, unreal.
absent adj 1 away, si bunking off, Opp concr et e. 2 abstract art. non-
pictorial, non-representational, sym-
gone, missing, off, out, playing
bolic. • n outline, precis, resume,
truant, inf skiving. Opp pr esent .
summary, synopsis.
2 > ABSENT-MINDED.
abstruse adj complex, cryptic, deep,
absent-minded adj absent, ab-
devious, difficult, enigmatic, esoteric,
sorbed, abstracted, careless, dis-
hard, incomprehensible, mysterious,
tracted, dreamy, forgetful, inat-
obscure, perplexing, problematical,
tentive, oblivious, preoccupied,
scatterbrained, unaware, unthink- profound, unfathomable. Opp obvi-
ing, vague, withdrawn, wool-gather- ous.
ing. Opp ALERT. absurd adj crazy, daft, eccentric, far-
cical, foolish, grotesque, illogical,
absolute adj 1 categorical, certain,
incongruous, irrational, laughable,
complete, conclusive, decided, def-
ludicrous, nonsensical, outlandish,
inite, downright, genuine, implicit,
paradoxical, preposterous, ridicu-
inalienable, indubitable, inf out-and-
lous, senseless, silly, stupid, surreal,
out, perfect, positive, pure, sheer,
sure, thorough, total, unadulterated, unreasonable, zany. t> funny, mad.
unambiguous, unconditional, un- Opp rational.
equivocal, unmitigated, unqualified, abundant adj ample, bountiful, copi-
unreserved, unrestricted, utter. ous, excessive, flourishing, generous,
2 absolute ruler, autocratic, despotic, lavish, liberal, luxuriant, overflow-
dictatorial, omnipotent, totalitarian, ing, plentiful, profuse, rampant,
tyrannical. 3 absolute opposites, inf rank, rich, well-supplied. Opp scar ce.
dead, diametrical, exact.
abuse n 1 assault, ill-treatment, mal-
absorb v 1 assimilate, consume, treatment, misappropriation, mis-
digest, drink in, hold, imbibe, incor- use, perversion. 2 verbal abuse, curse,
porate, ingest, mop up, soak up, suck execration, imprecation, insult,
up, take in. Opp emit . 2 absorb a blow. invective, obscenity, slander, vilifica-
cushion, deaden, lessen, soften. tion, vituperation. • v 1 damage,
3 absorb a person, captivate, engage, exploit, harm, hurt, ill-treat, injure,
3 accompany
maltreat, misuse, molest, rape, spoil, moderate, passable, satisfactory,
treat roughly. 2 abuse verbally, affront, suitable, tolerable. Opp unacceptable.
berate, be rude to, inf call names,
acceptance n acquiescence, agree-
castigate, curse, defame, denigrate,
ment, approval, consent. Opp refusal.
insult, inveigh against, libel, malign,
accepted adj acknowledged, agreed,
revile, slander, inf smear, sneer at,
axiomatic, common, indisputable,
swear at, vilify, vituperate, wrong.
recognized, standard, undisputed,
abusive adj acrimonious, angiy, cen- unquestioned. Opp controversial.
sorious, critical, cruel, defamatory,
accessible adj approachable, at
denigrating, derogatory, disparaging,
hand, attainable, available, close,
hurtful, impolite, injurious, insult-
convenient, inf handy, within reach.
ing, libellous, offensive, opprobrious,
Opp INACCESSIBLE.
pejorative, rude, scathing, scornful,
accessory n 1 addition, appendage,
scurrilous, slanderous, vituperative.
attachment, component, extra. 2 >
Opp POLITE.
ACCOMPLICE.
abysmal adj 1 bottomless, bound-
accident n 1 blunder, chance, coin-
less, deep, immeasurable, incalcul-
cidence, fate, fluke, fortune, luck,
able, infinite, profound, vast. 21> bad.
misadventure, mischance, mishap,
abyss n inf bottomless pit, chasm,
mistake, inf pot luck, serendipity.
crater, fissure, gap, gulf, hole, pit,
2 catastrophe, collision, crash, dis-
rift, void.
aster, inf pile-up, wreck.
academic adj 1 educational, peda- accidental adj arbitrary, casual,
gogical, scholastic. 2 bookish, brainy, chance, coincidental, inf fluky, for-
clever, erudite, highbrow, intelligent,
tuitous, fortunate, haphazard, inad-
learned, scholarly, studious. 3 aca- vertent, lucky, random, unexpected,
demic study, abstract, conjectural, unforeseen, unintended, uninten-
hypothetical, impractical, intellec- tional, unlucky, unplanned, un-
tual, speculative, theoretical. • n inf premeditated. Opp INTENTIONAL.
egghead, highbrow, intellectual,
acclaim v applaud, celebrate, cheer,
scholar, thinker.
clap, commend, extol, hail, honour,
accelerate v 1 inf get a move on, go praise, salute, welcome.
faster, hasten, pick up speed,
accommodate v 1 assist, equip, fit,
quicken, speed up. 2 bring on, ex-
furnish, help, provide, serve, supply.
pedite, spur on, step up, stimulate.
2 accommodate guests, billet, board,
accent n 1 brogue, cadence, dialect, cater for, harbour, house, lodge, pro-
enunciation, intonation, pronunci- vide for, inf put up, quarter, shelter,
ation, speech pattern, tone. 2 ac- take in. 3 accommodate yourself to new
centuation, beat, emphasis, pulse, surroundings, accustom, adapt, re-
rhythm, stress. concile. accommodating t> con-
accept v 1 get, inf jump at, receive, siderate.
take, welcome. 2 acknowledge, accommodation n board, home,
admit, bear, put up with, reconcile housing, lodgings, pied-a-terre,
yourself to, resign yourself to, sub- premises, shelter. □ apartment, inf
mit to, suffer, tolerate, undertake. bedsit, boarding house, inf digs, flat,
3 accept an argument, abide by, accede guest house, hall of residence, hostel,
to, acquiesce in, agree to; believe in, hotel, inn, motel, pension, rooms,
be reconciled to, consent to, defer self-catering, timeshare, youth hostel.
to, grant, recognize, inf stomach, inf t> HOUSE.
swallow, take in. Opp r eject. accompany v 1 attend, chaperon,
acceptable adj 1 agreeable, grat- conduct, escort, follow, go with,
ifying, pleasant, pleasing, worth- guard, guide, look after, partner, inf
while. 2 adequate, admissible, tag along with. 2 be associated with,
accompanying 4
be linked with, belong with, com- accuse v attack, blame, bring
plement, occur with, supplement. charges against, censure, charge,
condemn, denounce, impeach,
accompanying adj associated,
impugn, indict, in/point the finger
attached, attendant, complementary,
at,’ prosecute, summons, tax. Opp
related.
DEFEND.
accomplice n abettor, accessory,
accustomed adj common, custom-
associate, collaborator, colleague,
ary, established, expected, familiar,
confederate, conspirator, helper,
habitual, normal, ordinary, prevail-
partner.
ing, routine, traditional, usual, get
accomplish v achieve, attain, inf accustomed > adapt .
bring off, carry out, carry through,
ache n anguish, discomfort, hurt,
complete, consummate, discharge,
pain, pang, smart, soreness, throb-
do successfully, effect, finish, fulfil,
bing, twinge. • v 1 be painful, be
realize, succeed in.
sore, hurt, smart, sting, throb. 2 >
accomplished adj adept, expert, DESIRE.
gifted, polished, proficient, skilful,
achieve v 1 accomplish, attain,
talented.
bring off, cany out, complete, con-
accomplishment n ability, attain- clude, do successfully, effect, engin-
ment, expertise, gift, skill, talent. eer, execute, finish, fulfil, manage,
succeed in. 2 achieve fame, acquire,
accord n agreement, concord, har-
earn, gain, get, obtain, reach, win.
mony, rapport, understanding.
account n 1 bill, calculation, check, acid adj sharp, sour, stinging, tangy,
computation, invoice, receipt, reck- tart, vinegary. Opp sweet .
oning, inf score, statement. 2 com- acknowledge v 1 accede, accept,
mentary, description, diary, ex- acquiesce, admit, allow, concede,
planation, history, log, memoir, nar- confess, confirm, endorse, grant,
rative, record, report, statement, own up to, profess. Opp deny.
story, tale, inf write-up. 3 of no 2 acknowledge a greeting, answer, react
account, advantage, benefit, concern, to, reply to, respond to, return.
consequence, importance, interest, 3 acknowledge a friend, greet, hail, re-
significance, use, value, worth, cognize, inf say hello to. Opp ignor e.
account for > explain.
acme n apex, crown, height, highest
accumulate v accrue, aggregate, point, peak, pinnacle, summit, top,
amass, assemble, bring together, zenith. Opp nadir .
build up, collect, come together,
acquaint v announce, apprise, brief,
gather, grow, heap up, hoard,
enlighten, .inform, make aware,
increase, multiply, pile up, stockpile,
make familiar, notify, reveal, tell.
store up. Opp disper se.
acquaintance n 1 awareness,
accumulation n inf build-up, col-
familiarity, knowledge, understand-
lection, conglomeration, gathering,
ing. 2 > FRIEND.
heap, hoard, mass, stockpile, store.
acquire v buy, come by, earn, get,
accurate adj authentic, careful, cor-
obtain, procure, purchase.
rect, exact, factual, faultless, me-
ticulous, minute, nice, perfect, acquisition n accession, addition,
precise, reliable, scrupulous, sound, in/buy, gain, possession, purchase.
in/spot-on, true, truthful, unerring,
acquit v absolve, clear, declare inno-
veracious. Opp inaccurate.
cent, discharge, excuse, exonerate,
accusation n allegation, charge, find innocent, free, in/let off, release,
citation, complaint, impeachment, reprieve, set free, vindicate. Opp con-
indictment, summons. demn. acquit yourself > behave.
