Word
antithetical
Phoneticsan·ti·thet·i·cal, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌæntəˈθɛtɪkəɫ/
UK/ˌæntɪθˈɛtɪkəl/
Definition
adj. completely opposite to something else in ideas, values, or character. You use it when two things cannot work well together.
adj. directly opposed in nature, character, or meaning, implying mutual incompatibility.
Examples
“His quiet habits are antithetical to her love of parties.”
“The company's focus on fast profit is antithetical to its promise of long-term care for the environment.”
“Her belief in slow, careful work remains antithetical to a culture that rewards speed above depth and reflection.”
Examples
simple
“His quiet habits are antithetical to her love of parties.”
contextual
“The company's focus on fast profit is antithetical to its promise of long-term care for the environment.”
complex
“Her belief in slow, careful work remains antithetical to a culture that rewards speed above depth and reflection.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “antithetical” in context.
Verb
01. consider antithetical
“Many critics consider censorship antithetical to free speech.”
verb + adj
02. deem antithetical
“The court deemed such discrimination antithetical to equality.”
verb + adj
03. prove antithetical
“Recent scandals prove secrecy antithetical to public trust.”
verb + adj
Adjective
04. diametrically antithetical
“Authoritarian rule is diametrically antithetical to democratic freedom.”
adv + adj
05. directly antithetical
“Cutting arts funding is directly antithetical to cultural growth.”
adv + adj
06. fundamentally antithetical
“Their views on education are fundamentally antithetical to each other.”
adv + adj
Noun
07. antithetical to democracy
“Voter suppression is antithetical to democracy and fairness.”
adj + prep + noun
08. antithetical to freedom
“Strict censorship is antithetical to freedom of expression.”
adj + prep + noun
09. antithetical to tradition
“Fast fashion is antithetical to tradition of craftsmanship.”
adj + prep + noun
10. completely antithetical to nature
“Keeping wild animals in cages is completely antithetical to nature.”
11. diametrically antithetical to democracy
“Military rule is diametrically antithetical to democracy.”
12. fundamentally antithetical to freedom
“Mass surveillance is fundamentally antithetical to freedom.”
Usage
Typically followed by 'to' before the thing opposed.
Real-World Examples
“Although curving suburbs were spatially antithetical to gridded cities, they shared one principle: speed.” “While compromise may be necessary for a functioning government , it’s also antithetical to the goals of the conservative movement.” “But fans’ aversion to the Saudi league is understandable, since the country’s human rights abuses are especially abhorrent and antithetical to women’s soccer’s inclusive culture.” “Renewable energy has evolved into something antithetical to nuclear power: decentralized, modular and increasingly affordable systems that can be scaled rapidly without the all-or-nothing risks of nuclear megaprojects.” Etymology
From Latin antitheticus + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/antithetical