contranym
noun
a word that has opposite or nearly opposite meanings, as cleave, meaning "to adhere closely" and "to part or split."
contronym
-
a variation of
contranym.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Cleavage is a wonderful word. It’s what linguists call a contronym because its definition contains its own opposite. It means division, but it also means coming together. It also means the space between things.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 4, 2025
