Just the opposite - Vocabulary Builder

The Right Word: A Writer's Toolkit of Grammar, Vocabulary and Literary Terms - Waldram Sarah 2021

Just the opposite
Vocabulary Builder

Light, dark. Fear, courage. Cold, warmth. Female, male. It is yourself, Therem. Both and one. A shadow on snow.

Ursula K. Le Guin

The Left Hand of Darkness (1969)

Familiarity with both a word and its opposite implies knowledge of two related words. Though it may seem counterintuitive, polarities represent links. Thesauruses and certain dictionaries may list not only SYNONYMS (see chapter 7, here) but also sometimes opposites, known as antonyms. And, like both synonyms and WORD FAMILIES (see chapter 10, here), antonyms contribute to the vast interconnectedness of English words.

This chapter introduces word pairs. Adjectives, nouns and verbs are given, along with their often unpredictable opposites. Words that form an opposite in a standard way — for example, by adding the prefixes in-, un-, non-, dis- or de- — are not included here, though there is a short final section on non-standard in- and un- word antonyms. Words for which both members of the pair are common or well-known are similarly excluded. The aim of the chapter is to further map linguistic connections, by linking words as opposites that may not be obvious.

Antonyms

In the list below, words on the left are followed by an opposite term on the right with their meaning in between. Under the left-hand word is a short definition of its meaning, to clarify which sense of the word is intended. For example, the headword ailing is opposite to thriving, and it is defined as meaning ’experiencing difficulties and becoming weaker’. So, a company that is ailing is suffering economic difficulties or failing, whereas one that is thriving is flourishing and doing well.

Adjectives

ADJECTIVE

MEANING

ANTONYM/OPPOSITE

above board

honest, legal and without deception

underhand

abstract

existing in thought but not physically

concrete

abundant

present in great quantities

scarce

abysmal

appallingly bad

superb

acceptable

considered to be satisfactory

inadmissible

adequate

sufficient in quality or quantity to meet a need

insufficient

admirable

deserving to be respected

despicable

admiring

full of praise for someone or something

contemptuous

adoptive

(of a parent or child) related by adoption

biological

affluent

having an abundance of material wealth

impoverished

aggressive

ready or tending to attack or do harm to others

defensive

ailing

experiencing difficulties and becoming weaker

thriving

adjective

meaning

antonym

aloof

uninvolved or distant, sometimes out of a sense of superiority

involved

amicable

friendly, without anger or bad feelings

hostile

ample

as much or as many as required, usually with some left over

scant

antagonistic

showing or expressing hostility

appeasing

antiquated

quaint, extremely out of date, or badly in need of updating or replacing

futuristic

apologetic

expressing regret or contrition for something

unrepentant

arrogant

showing proud self-importance and disregard for others

humble

articulate

able to express thoughts, ideas and feelings clearly

incoherent

assertive

confident in stating one’s position

meek

astute

shrewd and discerning, and not easily fooled

naive

audible

loud or clear enough to be heard

indistinct

averse

strongly opposed to or disliking something

inclined




barbarous

brutal or primitive

civilised

becoming

enhancing someone’s appearance

unflattering

blatant

offensively, often intentionally, obtrusive and conspicuous

discreet

boisterous

full of noisy enthusiasm and energy, and often roughness or wildness

sedate

bona fide

authentic and genuine in nature

bogus

brash

self-assertive in an aggressive or rude way

unassertive

brazen

showing or expressing boldness and complete lack of shame

coy

broad-minded

willing to tolerate a wide range of ideas and behaviour

intolerant

burgeoning

growing or expanding rapidly

dwindling




callous

showing no concern if other people are hurt or upset

warm-hearted

capable

good at tasks or jobs

inept

circuitous

lengthy because indirect

direct

clumsy

poorly coordinated physically

adroit

combustible

able to catch fire and burn

fireproof

complimentary

expressing praise or approval

disparaging

compulsory

required by law or an authority

elective

concave

curved inwards like the inner surface of a bowl

convex

conceivable

possible to imagine, understand or believe

unimaginable

conscious

awake and responsive to stimuli

comatose

constrained

lacking naturalness or spontaneity because of self-consciousness, reserve or inhibiting circumstances

unfettered

convincing

(of argument or statement) persuading someone to believe something is true or real

implausible

cooperative

doing, or willing to do, what is asked or required

adversarial

credulous

easily convinced that something is true

sceptical

cursory

done in a quick or superficial way

thorough




damning

very critical or unfavourable

laudatory

debatable

open to discussion and uncertain

incontestable

deferential

showing or expressing polite respect or courtesy

condescending

defunct

no longer operative, valid or functional

active

dejected

feeling lack of hope, especially because of disappointment

elated

delirious

irrational as a temporary result of a physical condition such as a fever

lucid

demonstrative

openly showing love and affection towards someone

inhibited

despondent

extremely unhappy and discouraged

ecstatic

determined

feeling or showing firmness or a fixed purpose

irresolute

detestable

causing or deserving intense dislike

adorable

detrimental

causing harm or damage

beneficial

devious

not straightforward or honest about one’s intentions

forthright

devout

deeply and faithfully religious

irreligious

diffident

lacking self-confidence and shy

assured

diligent

persistent and hard-working

idle

disappointed

unhappy because reality does not match expectations

jubilant

discordant

in disagreement

harmonious

discretionary

giving the freedom to decide depending on individual circumstances

obligatory

discriminating

able to identify subtle differences and appreciate good quality or taste

uncritical

disingenuous

insincere and often withholding information

artless

disloyal

showing a lack of faith in or loyalty to someone or something

constant

dispropor­tionate

unequal or out of proportion in quantity, size or value

commensurate

docile

quiet, easy to control, and unlikely to cause trouble

headstrong

dry-eyed

unable or unwilling to shed tears

lachrymose

dubious

uncertain or doubtful about something

convinced




eager

enthusiastic and excited to do something

loath

easy

not causing difficulty or requiring much effort

arduous

eloquent

said or saying something in a forceful, expressive and persuasive way

inarticulate

energetic

displaying great vigour or force

lethargic

enlightened

free of ignorance, prejudice or superstition

benighted

enthusiastic

showing passionate interest in something or eagerness about something

apathetic

ephemeral

lasting for only a short time

timeless

even-tempered

not easily angered or upset

fractious

exalted

(formal) high in rank, position or esteem

lowly

excessive

beyond what is considered acceptable, usual or necessary

moderate

excitable

nervous and liable to become quickly excited

imperturbable

exotic

strikingly unusual and suggesting faraway places

parochial

expansive

willing to talk openly and at some length

limited

experienced

possessing knowledge and skill acquired over a length of time

fledgling

explicit

expressing details in a clear and obvious way

implicit

exposed

uncovered and therefore visible or without protection

buried

external

situated on, happening on, or coming from the outside

internal

extramural

outside or additional to the usual courses of study at an educational institution

intramural

extravagant

characterised by spending excessively or wastefully

parsimonious




familiar

well known, commonly seen or heard, and easily recognised

alien

famous

known and recognised by many people

obscure

fertile

able to support life or procreate

barren

fickle

likely to change, especially in affections, intentions, loyalties or preferences

loyal

figurative

using a non-literal sense of a word or words

literal

filial

relating to a child’s relationship with his or her parents

parental

finite

with an end or limit

endless

formidable

presenting an appearance that causes dread or fear

approachable

forthcoming

communicative and informative

close-lipped

fragrant

having a pleasant or sweet smell

malodorous

frank

open, honest, and sometimes forceful in expression

mealy-mouthed

friendly

characteristic of or suitable to a relationship between friends

hostile

frugal

characterised by thriftiness and avoidance of waste

lavish

frustrated

feeling unfulfilled or unsatisfied

fulfilled

garrulous

excessively or pointlessly talkative

taciturn

generic

applying to any member of a group or class

specific

genuine

having the qualities or value claimed

sham

gigantic

very large, tall or bulky

minuscule

gradual

proceeding or developing slowly by steps or degrees

abrupt

grudging

done or given reluctantly

generous

guileless

having or showing no deceit or expectation of being deceived

cunning




hackneyed

made commonplace and stale by overuse

fresh

halting

hesitant or done with frequent irregular pauses

fluent

haphazard

happening or done in a way that has not been planned

methodical

harmonious

relating to or sounding in harmony

discordant

helpful

providing or willing to give assistance or information

obstructive

heterogeneous

consisting of parts or individual elements that are unrelated or unlike each other

homogeneous

hirsute

having a large amount of hair

hairless

humid

with a relatively high level of moisture in the air

arid

hurried

done too quickly because of a real or perceived lack of time

measured




imaginary

existing only in the mind, not in reality

actual

impassive

showing no emotion, especially in facial expression

expressive

impenitent

having no regret for immorality or misbehaviour

contrite

inapposite

unsuitable or out of place

appropriate

inappropriate

not fitting, timely or suitable

apposite

incoherent

not well thought out or clearly expressed

lucid

inconsiderate

lacking thought or consideration for other people and their feelings

attentive

incurious

showing no curiosity about or interest in something

inquiring

in-depth

giving comprehensive and thorough consideration to something

superficial

indiscriminate

making no distinction s

discerning

indisputable

impossible to doubt, question or deny

questionable

indolent

lethargic and not showing any interest or making any effort

industrious

inedible

unpleasant to eat

palatable

inflexible

adhering firmly to a viewpoint

adaptable

informed

showing or having knowledge of a situation or subject

unenlightened

insubstantial

not very large, solid or strong

material

intentional

done on purpose, not by accident

coincidental

intermittent

happening from time to time

constant

intolerant

easily angered or annoyed when things do not go as desired

accepting

intractable

resisting attempts to control, correct or influence

biddable

introverted

tending to be shy and quiet, or ill at ease in a group

extroverted

invincible

incapable of being defeated or beaten, owing to great strength or skill

vulnerable

inviting

suggesting or offering pleasure or enjoyment

inhospitable




jovial

cheerful in mood or disposition

morose

juvenile

relating to young people

adult




knowledgeable

having knowledge

ignorant




languid

lacking vigour and energy

vivacious

laudable

admirable and worthy of praise

contemptible

lenient

showing tolerance or mercy in dealing with crime or misbehaviour

harsh

liberal

tolerant of different views and standards of behaviour in others

authoritarian

lifeless

dead, or seeming to be dead

animated

loquacious

tending to talk a great deal

tight-lipped

luxurious

involving comfort, elegance and often expense

spartan




magnanimous

very generous, kind or forgiving

mean-spirited

main

greatest in size or importance

ancillary

malevolent

having or showing a desire to harm others

benevolent

malignant

full of hate and showing a desire to harm others

benign

mandatory

officially required

discretionary

manifest

clear to see or understand

latent

meticulous

extremely careful and precise

slapdash

muted

not strong or intense in colour or sound

bold




naive

having an excessively simple and trusting view of the world

cynical

negligible

too small or unimportant to be worth considering

significant

net

remaining from an amount after all necessary deductions have been made

gross

nocturnal

occurring at night, as opposed to during the day

diurnal

nondescript

with no interesting or remarkable characteristics

outstanding




oblivious

unaware of or paying no attention to someone or something

aware

open-minded

free from prejudice and receptive to new ideas

bigoted

opportune

occurring at just the right time

ill-timed

optimistic

tending to take a hopeful and positive view of future outcomes

defeatist

optional

left to individual choice

compulsory

orderly

well-behaved or peaceful

anarchic

original

creative or unique

derivative

ornate

with elaborate or excessive decoration

austere

overbearing

arrogant and tending to issue orders to others

meek

overdue

late or after the scheduled time

premature

overt

done openly and without any attempt at concealment

disguised




pallid

having an unhealthily pale complexion

florid

paltry

insignificant or unimportant

significant

persuasive

having the ability to persuade people or the effect of persuading them

unconvincing

pertinent

relevant to the matter being considered

extraneous

placid

calm and tending not to become excited or disturbed

boisterous

platonic

involving friendship, affection or love between people without sexual relations

romantic

powerless

lacking power, strength or effectiveness

omnipotent

pragmatic

concerned with practical results in the real world

utopian

preceding

immediately before something else

ensuing

prenatal

existing or happening during pregnancy but before childbirth

postnatal

prepared

organised or arranged ahead of time

impromptu

privileged

enjoying advantages available to only a few

disadvantaged

proactive

taking the initiative rather than reacting to events

reactive

professional

relating to or belonging to a profession

lay

profligate

extremely extravagant or wasteful

frugal

prompt

done at once and without delay

dilatory

prostrate

lying on one’s stomach

supine

provincial

from a simpler, less sophisticated place

cosmopolitan

purposeful

showing a clear determination

aimless




questionable

open to doubt or disagreement

indisputable

quixotic

impulsive, unpredictable and impractical

down-to-earth




reactionary

opposed to social or political change regarded as liberal or progressive

progressive

rebellious

opposing or defying authority, accepted moral codes, or social conventions

conformist

refined

cultured and polite in habits, tastes or appearance

coarse

reserved

not readily showing or expressing emotions

demonstrative

resolute

possessing determination and purposefulness

vacillating

responsive

tending to respond to something

impervious

restrained

characterised by control, especially in not being excessively emotional or aggressive

abandoned

reticent

unwilling to talk freely or reveal all the facts

communi­cative

rude

disagreeable or discourteous in manner or action

civil




sacred

dedicated to a deity or religious purpose

profane

secular

not controlled by a religious body or concerned with religious or spiritual matters

divine

selective

applying to some but not others

indiscriminate

selfish

concerned with one’s own interests, needs and wishes while ignoring those of others

altruistic

short-lived

lasting or living for only a short time

enduring

shy

reserved, diffident and uncomfortable in the company of others

outgoing

solvent

having enough money to cover expenses and debts

bankrupt

spatial

relating to, occupying or happening in space

temporal

spontaneous

resulting from internal or natural processes, with no apparent external influence

forced

spurious

not being what it claims to be

genuine

stale

no longer pleasant to eat or of interest

fresh

stilted

(of speech or writing) unnatural or lacking in fluency

idiomatic

stressful

causing mental or emotional stress

relaxing

submissive

giving in or tending to give in to the demands or the authority of others

dominant

subsequent

happening or existing after something

previous

successful

having the intended result

abortive

sufficient

as much as is needed

inadequate

systematic

done in a methodical and organised manner

arbitrary




tactful

having or showing concern about upsetting or offending people

indiscreet

talkative

tending to talk readily and at length

reticent

tangential

only slightly related

direct

theoretical

involving or based on theory

applied

transient

lasting for only a short time

abiding

true

conforming with reality or fact

apocryphal




unaccountable

impossible to explain or give a reason for

explicable

unbecoming

ill-suited to the wearer

flattering

unconditional

complete or guaranteed, with no conditions, limitations or provisos attached

qualified

uncontro­versial

unlikely to provoke argument or disapproval

contentious

uncritical

too readily accepting, without question

discerning

unfair

not equal or just

equitable

unfamiliar

not previously known or recognised

conversant

unflappable

able to maintain composure under all circumstances

excitable

uninformed

lacking facts or knowledge about a situation or subject

well-read

unrelated

not connected by similarities, source or family

allied




valid

having a solid foundation or justification

indefensible

varied

showing or characterised by many different forms or kinds

monotonous

venal

open to persuasion by corrupt means, especially bribery

incorruptible

verbose

expressed in language that is too long-winded or complicated

concise




wary

cautious and watchful

unsuspecting

well-founded

based on sound reasons, information or evidence, or on undisputable facts

baseless

worldly

experienced in life

innocent

Noun

NOUN

MEANING

ANTONYM/OPPOSITE

abolition

act of officially ending a law, regulation or practice

preservation

absolutism

political system in which the power of a ruler is unchecked and absolute

democracy

abundance

very large amount of something

scarcity

acceleration

rate at which something increases in velocity

deceleration

addition

act of adding something onto or into something else

deduction

admiration

feeling of pleasure and approval, and, often, wonder

scorn

agitation

nervous anxiety

composure

altruism

attitude or way of behaving marked by unselfish concern for the welfare of others

egotism

ambiguity

quality of something possibly being understood in more than one way

clarity

ancestor

someone from whom one is directly descended, especially someone more distant than a grandparent

descendant

antithesis

complete or exact opposite of something

equivalent

asceticism

austerity and self-denial, especially as a principled way of life

hedonism

asset

someone or something that is useful and contributes to success

liability




background

behind the scenes

forefront

balm

substance, act or words that soothe

irritant

base

lowest, bottom or supporting part or layer of something

apex

benefactor

financial supporter of a cause, institution or individual

beneficiary

boon

something that is a great benefit to someone

nuisance




cessation

stop, pause or interruption

continuation

clergy

body of people ordained for religious service

laity

conformity

behaving or thinking in a socially acceptable or expected way

deviance

contempt

powerful feeling of dislike towards someone or something considered to be worthless, inferior or undeserving of respect

esteem

conviction

guilty verdict

acquittal




demotion

reduction in the rank, status or position of someone or something

elevation

denial

statement saying that something is not true or not correct

admission

detractor

belittler of something or someone

proponent

detriment

damage, harm or disadvantage

benefit

dilution

thinning or weakening of a substance by the addition of another substance

concentration

disagreement

expression of a difference of opinion

accord

disappoint­ment

feeling of sadness or frustration because of failed expectations

jubilation

discontent

unhappiness or dissatisfaction

contentment

discord

disagreement or strife

harmony

disdain

extreme contempt or disgust for something or someone

approval

disinclination

reluctance to do something

urge

disintegration

irreversible breaking into components or fragments

cohesion

disorgani­sation

lack of organisation or orderly arrangement

coordination

disrespect

lack of respect

esteem

divergence

moving apart of two or more things

convergence

dystopia

imaginary place where everything is as bad as it could possibly be

utopia




epilogue

short speech, usually in verse, that an actor addresses directly to the audience at the end of a play

prologue

establishment

act of founding or starting something

abolition

euphemism

word or phrase used in place of a term that might be considered too direct, harsh, unpleasant or offensive

dysphemism

explosion

sudden loud release of energy and a rapidly expanding volume

implosion

extrovert

energetic and socially confident person

introvert




failing

shortcoming

forte

fission

act or process of separating into parts

fusion

foreigner

someone who comes from a country other than one’s own

compatriot

foundation

part of a building, usually below the ground, that transfers and distributes the weight of the building

superstructure




glut

larger supply of something than is needed, especially of a crop or product

dearth




hindsight

opportunity to understand and judge an experience after it has occurred

foreknowledge

humility

quality of being modest or respectful

arrogance

husk

dry outer covering of some fruits, nuts and grains

kernel




inertia

tendency of a body at rest to stay at rest

momentum

ingratitude

failure to show or express gratitude

appreciation

injustice

unfair or unjust treatment of someone, or an instance of this

equity

insufficiency

smaller number or lesser amount than is needed

adequacy

interest

feeling of curiosity or concern about something

apathy

intervention

action undertaken to change what is happening or might happen in another’s affairs

laissez-faire

introduction

section at the beginning of a book or other text, usually summarising it or setting the scene

coda




liberty

freedom from captivity

custody

loyalist

firm supporter of a country, ruler or government

defector




macrocosm

complex large structure, often the world or the universe, considered as a single entity containing numerous smaller structures

microcosm

miser

person who hates spending money or spends very little

spendthrift

monosyllable

word or sentence consisting of only one syllable, for example, ’yes’

polysyllable

monotheism

belief that there is only one God

polytheism

monotony

boredom or dullness arising from the fact that nothing different ever happens

variety

movement

act that denotes change or progress

stagnation




nadir

lowest possible point

acme




oblivion

state of being entirely unconscious

awareness

obscurity

state of being unknown or inconspicuous

celebrity

observance

execution of or compliance with laws, instructions or customs

contravention

optimist

person who tends to feel hopeful and positive about future outcomes

defeatist




parent

head or ancestor of an important family

scion

periphery

area around the edge of a place

centre

philanthropy

desire to improve the material, social and spiritual welfare of humanity, especially through charitable activities

misanthropy

postscript

short message added to the end of a letter, after the signature

preamble

predecessor

person who previously held a specific position

successor

prelude

piece of music that introduces or precedes another one

finale

prequel

film or novel set at a time preceding the action of an existing work

sequel

prosperity

condition of enjoying great wealth, success or good fortune

destitution




republicanism

belief that the supreme power of a country should be vested in the people

monarchism

restraint

act or quality of holding back, limiting or controlling something

abandon

revelation

exposing of information formerly secret or unknown

concealment




stability

condition of being stable

flux




troublemaker

person who constantly causes problems

conciliator

Verb

VERB

MEANING

ANTONYM/OPPOSITE

admit

allow someone to enter a place

bar

adore

love intensely

abhor

affirm

declare positively that something is true

negate

aggravate

make something worse

alleviate

antagonise

cause a person or animal to be hostile

pacify

appreciate

gain in value

depreciate

assemble

bring people or things together, or gather together in one place

disperse

assist

help someone to do or accomplish something

impede




buoy up

give support or encouragement to someone

dishearten




court

try to win influence with someone or to win someone’s approval or favour through flattery or attentiveness

shun

curtail

reduce the length or duration of something

extend




debar

exclude someone from entering or taking part in something

entitle

decline

get weaker

flourish

denounce

express harsh criticism or condemnation of something or someone, usually in public

endorse

diminish

make something smaller or less important

augment

disassociate

end an association or relationship with another person or group

join

disband

break up as a group or organisation, or cause a group or organisation to break up

assemble

diversify

expand into a new area of business

specialise

divulge

reveal information, especially information that was previously secret

conceal

dwindle

decrease little by little in size, number or intensity, and approach zero

accrue




endanger

expose someone or something to danger

safeguard

enrich

make wealthier

impoverish

verb

meaning

antonym

enslave

subject someone to a dominating influence that takes away his or her freedom

emancipate

establish

start or set up something that is intended to continue or be permanent

abolish

exacerbate

make an already bad or problematic situation worse

ameliorate

exculpate

free someone from blame or accusation of guilt

blame

exhume

dig up a corpse from a grave

bury

exonerate

declare officially that someone is not to blame or is not guilty of wrongdoing

incriminate

expend

use up time, energy, effort or some other resource

conserve

explode

blow up or burst with a sudden release of energy and a loud noise, or cause something to blow up or burst explosively

implode




fuse

join together to create a whole

separate




impair

lessen the strength or effectiveness of something

enhance

implicate

show that someone or something played a part in a criminal or harmful activity

exonerate

incite

stir up feelings in, or provoke action by, someone

quell

infect with

contaminate or cause infection in a person or animal with a disease-producing agent

inoculate against

inflame

excite someone to an intense emotion such as anger or jealousy

assuage

inherit

receive something when a person dies in accordance with the terms of a will or as the result of a bequest

bequeath

invigorate

fill someone or something with energy or life

enervate




liquefy

become or cause something to become liquid

congeal




mollify

calm or soothe someone who is angry or upset

provoke




obfuscate

make something obscure or unclear

illuminate

observe

comply with

contravene




persuade

successfully urge someone to do something

dissuade

placate

make someone less angry, upset or hostile

exasperate

play down

represent something as being less important or significant than it is

overstate

provoke

make someone feel angry or exasperated

appease




scrutinise

examine someone or something closely and carefully

flick through

see out

accompany someone who is leaving a room or building

usher in

share

join with someone in using something

monopolise

slacken

loosen or relax

tauten

stimulate

cause a strong nervous reaction

soothe

subside

become less active or intense

erupt




terminate

come to an end, or bring something to an end

commence




vilify

make malicious and abusive statements about someone

praise

violate

act contrary to something such as a law, contract or agreement, especially in a significant way

observe

Positives and negatives

Transforming a word with a positive meaning into its antonym often entails adding a prefix (word beginning) meaning ’not’. Such prefixes include un-, non-, in- and dis- (for example, un kind, non- resident, in sensitive and dis appear).

Appearances can be misleading, however. There are some words beginning with un-, in-, etc. that look as if they should be negatives but in fact have no positive equivalent. Unwieldy, for example, means ’cumbersome’, but there is no opposite word wieldy to contrast with it. Disgruntled meaning ’unhappy’ may be used of, say, employees, but gruntled occurs only as a joke.

There are other words with prefixes that look as if they should be negative forms, but that don’t in fact express negation, that is, not being or doing something. For example, inhabitable, which means ’suitable to live in’, means the same as habitable rather than the opposite. This is because the in- in this instance derives from the Latin word for ’in’ rather than meaning ’not’. Similarly, passive and impassive both mean ’slow to react’, though in slightly different ways.

In the table below, the words listed in the left-hand column all begin with apparent ’not’ prefixes, but, for one reason or another, cannot be changed into an antonym simply by removing the prefix. The meaning of the word is shown in the middle column. A genuine possible antonym is shown after it, in the right-hand column.

Ten words beginning with im- and their opposites

Word

Meaning

Antonym

immaculate

spotlessly clean and neat

dirty

impassive

showing no emotion

expressive

impeccable

perfect and flawless

flawed

impecunious

having little or no money

well-off

impertinent

rude and disrespectful

respectful

implacable

not possible to appease

forgiving

implicit

not stated directly

explicit

implode

collapse inwards

explode

impoverished

poor

wealthy

impudent

rude and disrespectful

respectful

Twenty words beginning with in - and their opposites

Word

Meaning

Antonym

inadvertently

accidentally

deliberately

inane

stupid

sensible

incessant

non-stop

intermittent

indefatigable

untiring

flagging

indestructible

impossible to break or destroy

fragile

indifferent

not interested or sympathetic

concerned

indomitable

impossible to defeat

submissive

inebriated

drunk

sober

inept

clumsy

competent

inert

motionless

active

inevitable

unavoidable

avoidable

inflammable

liable to catch fire

non-flammable

inordinate

excessive

moderate

insatiable

impossible to satisfy

easily satisfied

inscrutable

enigmatic or difficult to read

transparent

insufferable

unbearable

bearable

intransigent

stubbornly refusing to give in

flexible

intrepid

fearless

fearful

invaluable

indispensable or extremely valuable

worthless

invincible

unbeatable or impossible to defeat

vulnerable

Twenty words beginning with un- and their opposites

Word

Meaning

Antonym

unassuming

modest

self-important

unavailing

useless, ineffective

successful

unbending

very stubborn

flexible

unceasing

non-stop

intermittent

uncouth

bad-mannered

well-mannered

undoubted

beyond any doubt

doubtful

unflappable

remaining calm

agitated

ungainly

awkward and clumsy

graceful

unkempt

messy and badly groomed

well-groomed

unnerved

made nervous

encouraged

unprecedented

never known or done before

established

unrest

angry or violent protest

order

unruly

hard to control

well-behaved

unscathed

not harmed

harmed

unsightly

ugly to look at

attractive

untoward

unexpected, and unpleasant or inconvenient

favourable

unstinting

generous

sparing

unswerving

steady and unchanging

unreliable

unwieldy

too big to handle easily

manageable

unwittingly

unknowingly

knowingly