# tantamount

/ˈtæntəˌmaʊnt/ (US) · /tˈɑːntɐmˌaʊnt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tantamount
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

equal in value, importance, or effect to something else. You use this when two things are so similar that one can be seen as the same as the other.

For teachers: equivalent in value, importance, or effect to something else. Often used in the phrase 'tantamount to', which functions as a linking verb.

## Examples

- Refusing to pay the bill is tantamount to a formal complaint.
- The government's refusal to negotiate was tantamount to a declaration of war on the trade union.
- While the official report was brief, the implications of the findings were tantamount to a complete overhaul of the existing legal framework.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.