English Synonyms and Antonyms

<h3><SPAN name="CONQUER" id="CONQUER"></SPAN>CONQUER.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>beat,</td><td>humble,</td><td>overthrow,</td><td>subject,</td></tr> <tr><td>checkmate,</td><td>master,</td><td>prevail over,</td><td>subjugate,</td></tr> <tr><td>crush,</td><td>overcome,</td><td>put down,</td><td>surmount,</td></tr> <tr><td>defeat,</td><td>overmaster,</td><td>reduce,</td><td>vanquish,</td></tr> <tr><td>discomfit,</td><td>overmatch,</td><td>rout,</td><td>win,</td></tr> <tr><td>down,</td><td>overpower,</td><td>subdue,</td><td>worst.</td></tr> </table> <p>To <i>defeat</i> an enemy is to gain an advantage for the time; to <i>vanquish</i> is to win a signal victory; to <i>conquer</i> is to <i>overcome</i> so effectually that the victory is regarded as final. <i>Conquer</i>, in many cases, carries the idea of possession; as, to <i>conquer</i> respect, affection, peace, etc. A country is <i>conquered</i> when its armies are defeated and its territory is occupied by the enemy; it may be <i>subjected</i> to indemnity or to various disabilities; it is <i>subjugated</i> when it is held helplessly and continuously under military control; it is <i>subdued</i> when all resistance has died out. An army is <i>defeated</i> when forcibly driven back; it is <i>routed</i> when it is converted into a mob of fugitives. Compare <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#BEAT">BEAT</SPAN></span>.</p> <h4>Antonyms:</h4> <table class="tba" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>capitulate,</td><td>fail,</td><td>fly,</td><td>lose,</td><td>retire,</td><td>submit,</td><td>surrender,</td></tr> <tr><td>cede,</td><td>fall,</td><td>forfeit,</td><td>resign,</td><td>retreat,</td><td>succumb,</td><td>yield.</td></tr> </table> <hr /><p><span class="pgn"><SPAN name="Page_116" id="Page_116"></SPAN></span></p> <h3>CONSCIOUS.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>advised,</td><td>assured,</td><td>certain,</td><td>cognizant,</td><td>sensible,</td></tr> <tr><td>apprised,</td><td>aware,</td><td>certified,</td><td>informed,</td><td>sure.</td></tr> </table> <p>One is <i>aware</i> of that which exists without him; he is <i>conscious</i> of the inner workings of his own mind. <i>Sensible</i> may be used in the exact sense of <i>conscious</i>, or it may partake of both the senses mentioned above. One may be <i>sensible</i> of his own or another's error; he is <i>conscious</i> only of his own. A person may feel <i>assured</i> or <i>sure</i> of something false or non-existent; what he is <i>aware</i> of, still more what he is <i>conscious</i> of, must be fact. <i>Sensible</i> has often a reference to the emotions where <i>conscious</i> might apply only to the intellect; to say a culprit is <i>sensible</i> of his degradation is more forcible than to say he is <i>conscious</i> of it.</p> <h4>Antonyms:</h4> <table class="tba" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>cold,</td><td>dead,</td><td>deaf,</td><td>ignorant,</td><td>insensible,</td><td>unaware,</td><td>unconscious.</td></tr> </table> <h4>Preposition:</h4> <p>On the stormy sea, man is conscious <i>of</i> the limitation of human power.</p> <hr /> <h3><SPAN name="CONSEQUENCE" id="CONSEQUENCE"></SPAN>CONSEQUENCE.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>consequent,</td><td>end,</td><td>issue,</td><td>outgrowth,</td><td>sequel,</td></tr> <tr><td>effect,</td><td>event,</td><td>outcome,</td><td>result,</td><td>upshot.</td></tr> </table> <p><i>Effect</i> is the strongest of these words; it is that which is directly produced by the action of an efficient cause; we say, "Every <i>effect</i> must have an adequate cause" (compare <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#CAUSE">CAUSE</SPAN></span>). In regard to human actions, <i>effect</i> commonly relates to intention; as, the shot took <i>effect</i>, <i>i. e.</i>, the <i>effect</i> intended. A <i>consequence</i> is that which follows an act naturally, but less directly than the <i>effect</i>. The motion of the piston is the <i>effect</i>, and the agitation of the water under the paddle-wheels a <i>consequence</i> of the expansion of steam in the cylinder. The <i>result</i> is, literally, the rebound of an act, depending on many elements; the <i>issue</i> is that which flows forth directly; we say the <i>issue</i> of a battle, the <i>result</i> of a campaign. A <i>consequent</i> commonly is that which follows simply in order of time, or by logical inference. The <i>end</i> is the actual <i>outcome</i> without determination of its relation to what has gone before; it is ordinarily viewed as either the necessary, natural, or logical <i>outcome</i>, any <i>effect</i>, <i>consequence</i>, or <i>result</i> being termed an <i>end</i>; as, the <i>end</i> of such a course must be ruin. The <i>event</i> (L. <i>e</i>, out, and <i>venio</i>, come) is primarily exactly the same in meaning as <i>outcome</i>; but in use it is more nearly equivalent to <i>upshot</i><span class="pgn"><SPAN name="Page_117" id="Page_117"></SPAN></span> signifying the sum and substance of all <i>effects</i>, <i>consequences</i>, and <i>results</i> of a course of action. Compare <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#ACCIDENT">ACCIDENT</SPAN></span>; <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#CAUSE">CAUSE</SPAN></span>; <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#CIRCUMSTANCE">CIRCUMSTANCE</SPAN></span>; <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#END_n">END</SPAN></span>; <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#EVENT">EVENT</SPAN></span>.</p> <hr /> <h3>CONSOLE.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>comfort,</td><td>condole with,</td><td>encourage,</td><td>sympathize with.</td></tr> </table> <p>One <i>condoles with</i> another by the expression of kindly sympathy in his trouble; he <i>consoles</i> him by considerations adapted to soothe and sustain the spirit, as by the assurances and promises of the gospel; he <i>encourages</i> him by the hope of some relief or deliverance; he <i>comforts</i> him by whatever act or word tends to bring mind or body to a state of rest and cheer. We <i>sympathize with</i> others, not only in sorrow, but in joy. Compare <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#ALLEVIATE">ALLEVIATE</SPAN></span>; <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#PITY">PITY</SPAN></span>.</p> <h4>Antonyms:</h4> <table class="tba" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>annoy,</td><td>distress,</td><td>disturb,</td><td>grieve,</td><td>hurt,</td><td>sadden,</td><td>trouble,</td><td>wound.</td></tr> </table> <hr /> <h3>CONTAGION.</h3> <h4>Synonym:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>infection.</td></tr> </table> <p><i>Infection</i> is frequently confused with <i>contagion</i>, even by medical men. The best usage now limits <i>contagion</i> to diseases that are transmitted by contact with the diseased person, either directly by touch or indirectly by use of the same articles, by breath, effluvia, etc. <i>Infection</i> is applied to diseases produced by no known or definable influence of one person upon another, but where common climatic, malarious, or other wide-spread conditions are believed to be chiefly instrumental.</p> <hr /> <h3>CONTINUAL.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>ceaseless,</td><td>incessant,</td><td>regular,</td><td>uninterrupted,</td></tr> <tr><td>constant,</td><td>invariable,</td><td>unbroken,</td><td>unremitting,</td></tr> <tr><td>continuous,</td><td>perpetual,</td><td>unceasing,</td><td>unvarying.</td></tr> </table> <p><i>Continuous</i> describes that which is absolutely without pause or break; <i>continual</i>, that which often intermits, but as regularly begins again. A <i>continuous</i> beach is exposed to the <i>continual</i> beating of the waves. A similar distinction is made between <i>incessant</i> and <i>ceaseless</i>. The <i>incessant</i> discharge of firearms makes the <i>ceaseless</i> roar of battle. <i>Constant</i> is sometimes used in the sense of <i>continual</i>; but its chief uses are mental and moral.</p> <hr /><p><span class="pgn"><SPAN name="Page_118" id="Page_118"></SPAN></span></p> <h3>CONTRACT.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>agreement,</td><td>cartel,</td><td>engagement,</td><td>pledge,</td></tr> <tr><td>arrangement,</td><td>compact,</td><td>obligation,</td><td>promise,</td></tr> <tr><td>bargain,</td><td>covenant,</td><td>pact,</td><td>stipulation.</td></tr> </table> <p>All these words involve at least two parties, tho an <i>engagement</i> or <i>promise</i> may be the act of but one. A <i>contract</i> is a formal agreement between two or more parties for the doing or leaving undone some specified act or acts, and is ordinarily in writing. Mutual <i>promises</i> may have the force of a <i>contract</i>. A consideration, or compensation, is essential to convert an <i>agreement</i> into a <i>contract</i>. A <i>contract</i> may be oral or written. A <i>covenant</i> in law is a written <i>contract</i> under seal. <i>Covenant</i> is frequent in religious usage, as <i>contract</i> is in law and business. <i>Compact</i> is essentially the same as <i>contract</i>, but is applied to international <i>agreements</i>, treaties, etc. A <i>bargain</i> is a mutual <i>agreement</i> for an exchange of values, without the formality of a <i>contract</i>. A <i>stipulation</i> is a single item in an <i>agreement</i> or <i>contract</i>. A <i>cartel</i> is a military <i>agreement</i> for the exchange of prisoners or the like.</p> <hr /> <h3><SPAN name="CONTRAST" id="CONTRAST"></SPAN>CONTRAST.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>compare,</td><td>differentiate,</td><td>discriminate,</td><td>oppose.</td></tr> </table> <p>To <i>compare</i> (L. <i>con</i>, together, and <i>par</i>, equal) is to place together in order to show likeness or unlikeness; to <i>contrast</i> (L. <i>contra</i>, against, and <i>sto</i>, stand) is to set in opposition in order to show unlikeness. We <i>contrast</i> objects that have been already <i>compared</i>. We must <i>compare</i> them, at least momentarily, even to know that they are different. We <i>contrast</i> them when we observe their unlikeness in a general way; we <i>differentiate</i> them when we note the difference exactly and point by point. We distinguish objects when we note a difference that may fall short of <i>contrast</i>; we <i>discriminate</i> them when we classify or place them according to their differences.</p> <h4>Preposition:</h4> <p>We contrast one object <i>with</i> another.</p> <hr /> <h3><SPAN name="CONVERSATION" id="CONVERSATION"></SPAN>CONVERSATION.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>chat,</td><td>communion,</td><td>converse,</td><td>intercourse,</td></tr> <tr><td>colloquy,</td><td>confabulation,</td><td>dialogue,</td><td>parley,</td></tr> <tr><td>communication,</td><td>conference,</td><td>discourse,</td><td>talk.</td></tr> </table> <p><i>Conversation</i> (Latin <i>con</i>, with) is, etymologically, an interchange of ideas with some other person or persons. <i>Talk</i> may be<span class="pgn"><SPAN name="Page_119" id="Page_119"></SPAN></span> wholly one-sided. Many brilliant talkers have been incapable of <i>conversation</i>. There may be <i>intercourse</i> without <i>conversation</i>, as by looks, signs, etc.; <i>communion</i> is of hearts, with or without words; <i>communication</i> is often by writing, and may be uninvited and unreciprocated. <i>Talk</i> may denote the mere utterance of words with little thought; thus, we say idle <i>talk</i>, empty <i>talk</i>, rather than idle or empty <i>conversation</i>. <i>Discourse</i> is now applied chiefly to public addresses. A <i>conference</i> is more formal than a <i>conversation</i>. <i>Dialog</i> denotes ordinarily an artificial or imaginary <i>conversation</i>, generally of two persons, but sometimes of more. A <i>colloquy</i> is indefinite as to number, and generally somewhat informal. Compare <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#BEHAVIOR">BEHAVIOR</SPAN></span>.</p> <h4>Prepositions:</h4> <p>Conversation <i>with</i> friends; <i>between</i> or <i>among</i> the guests; <i>about</i> a matter.</p> <hr /> <h3>CONVERT.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>disciple,</td><td>neophyte,</td><td>proselyte.</td></tr> </table> <p>The name <i>disciple</i> is given to the follower of a certain faith, without reference to any previous belief or allegiance; a <i>convert</i> is a person who has come to one faith from a different belief or from unbelief. A <i>proselyte</i> is one who has been led to accept a religious system, whether with or without true faith; a <i>convert</i> is always understood to be a believer. A <i>neophyte</i> is a new <i>convert</i>, not yet fully indoctrinated, or not admitted to full privileges. The antonyms <i>apostate</i>, <i>pervert</i>, and <i>renegade</i> are condemnatory names applied to the <i>convert</i> by those whose faith he forsakes.</p> <hr /> <h3><SPAN name="CONVEY" id="CONVEY"></SPAN>CONVEY.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>carry,</td><td>give,</td><td>remove,</td><td>shift,</td><td>transmit,</td></tr> <tr><td>change,</td><td>move,</td><td>sell,</td><td>transfer,</td><td>transport.</td></tr> </table> <p><i>Convey</i>, <i>transmit</i>, and <i>transport</i> all imply delivery at a destination; as, I will <i>convey</i> the information to your friend; air <i>conveys</i> sound (to a listener); <i>carry</i> does not necessarily imply delivery, and often does not admit of it. A man <i>carries</i> an appearance, <i>conveys</i> an impression, the appearance remaining his own, the impression being given to another; I will <i>transmit</i> the letter; <i>transport</i> the goods. A horse <i>carries</i> his mane and tail, but does not <i>convey</i> them. <i>Transfer</i> may or may not imply delivery to another person; as, items may be <i>transferred</i> from one account to another<span class="pgn"><SPAN name="Page_120" id="Page_120"></SPAN></span> or a word <i>transferred</i> to the following line. In law, real estate, which can not be moved, is <i>conveyed</i> by simply <i>transferring</i> title and possession. <i>Transport</i> usually refers to material, <i>transfer</i>, <i>transmit</i>, and <i>convey</i> may refer to immaterial objects; we <i>transfer</i> possession, <i>transmit</i> intelligence, <i>convey</i> ideas, but do not <i>transport</i> them. In the case of <i>convey</i> the figurative sense now predominates. Compare <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#CARRY">CARRY</SPAN></span>.</p> <h4>Antonyms:</h4> <table class="tba" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>cling to,</td><td>hold,</td><td>keep,</td><td>possess,</td><td>preserve,</td><td>retain.</td></tr> </table> <h4>Prepositions:</h4> <p>Convey <i>to</i> a friend, a purchaser, etc.; convey <i>from</i> the house <i>to</i> the station; convey <i>by</i> express, <i>by</i> hand, etc.</p> <hr /> <h3>CONVOKE.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>assemble,</td><td>call together,</td><td>convene,</td><td>muster,</td></tr> <tr><td>call,</td><td>collect,</td><td>gather,</td><td>summon.</td></tr> </table> <p>A convention is <i>called</i> by some officer or officers, as by its president, its executive committee, or some eminent leaders; the delegates are <i>assembled</i> or <i>convened</i> in a certain place, at a certain hour. <i>Convoke</i> implies an organized body and a superior authority; <i>assemble</i> and <i>convene</i> express more independent action; Parliament is <i>convoked</i>; Congress <i>assembles</i>. Troops are <i>mustered</i>; witnesses and jurymen are <i>summoned</i>.</p> <h4>Antonyms:</h4> <table class="tba" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>adjourn,</td><td>disband,</td><td>dismiss,</td><td>dissolve,</td><td>scatter,</td></tr> <tr><td>break up,</td><td>discharge,</td><td>disperse,</td><td>prorogue,</td><td>separate.</td></tr> </table> <hr /> <h3><SPAN name="CRIMINAL" id="CRIMINAL"></SPAN>CRIMINAL.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>abominable,</td><td>flagitious,</td><td>immoral,</td><td>sinful,</td><td>vile,</td></tr> <tr><td>culpable,</td><td>guilty,</td><td>iniquitous,</td><td>unlawful,</td><td>wicked,</td></tr> <tr><td>felonious,</td><td>illegal,</td><td>nefarious,</td><td>vicious,</td><td>wrong.</td></tr> </table> <p>Every <i>criminal</i> act is <i>illegal</i> or <i>unlawful</i>, but <i>illegal</i> or <i>unlawful</i> acts may not be <i>criminal</i>. Offenses against public law are <i>criminal</i>; offenses against private rights are merely <i>illegal</i> or <i>unlawful</i>. As a general rule, all acts punishable by fine or imprisonment or both, are <i>criminal</i> in view of the law. It is <i>illegal</i> for a man to trespass on another's land, but it is not <i>criminal</i>; the trespasser is liable to a civil suit for damages, but not to indictment, fine, or imprisonment. A <i>felonious</i> act is a <i>criminal</i> act of an aggravated kind, which is punishable by imprisonment in the penitentiary or by death. A <i>flagitious</i> crime is one that brings<span class="pgn"><SPAN name="Page_121" id="Page_121"></SPAN></span> public odium. <i>Vicious</i> refers to the indulgence of evil appetites, habits, or passions; <i>vicious</i> acts are not necessarily <i>criminal</i>, or even <i>illegal</i>; we speak of a <i>vicious</i> horse. That which is <i>iniquitous</i>, <i>i. e.</i>, contrary to equity, may sometimes be done under the forms of law. Ingratitude is <i>sinful</i>, hypocrisy is <i>wicked</i>, but neither is punishable by human law; hence, neither is <i>criminal</i> or <i>illegal</i>. Compare <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#SIN">SIN</SPAN></span>.</p> <h4>Antonyms:</h4> <table class="tba" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>innocent,</td><td>lawful,</td><td>meritorious,</td><td>right,</td></tr> <tr><td>just,</td><td>legal,</td><td>moral,</td><td>virtuous.</td></tr> </table> <hr /> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />