English Synonyms and Antonyms

<h3>REPENTANCE.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>compunction,</td><td>contriteness,</td><td>regret,</td><td>self-condemnation,</td></tr> <tr><td>contrition,</td><td>penitence,</td><td>remorse,</td><td>sorrow.</td></tr> </table> <p><i>Regret</i> is <i>sorrow</i> for any painful or annoying matter. One is moved with <i>penitence</i> for wrong-doing. To speak of <i>regret</i> for a fault of our own marks it as slighter than one regarding which we should express <i>penitence</i>. <i>Repentance</i> is <i>sorrow</i> for sin with <i>self-condemnation</i>, and complete turning from the sin. <i>Penitence</i> is transient, and may involve no change of character or conduct. There may be <i>sorrow</i> without <i>repentance</i>, as for consequences<span class="pgn"><SPAN name="Page_311" id="Page_311"></SPAN></span> only, but not <i>repentance</i> without <i>sorrow</i>. <i>Compunction</i> is a momentary sting of conscience, in view either of a past or of a contemplated act. <i>Contrition</i> is a subduing <i>sorrow</i> for sin, as against the divine holiness and love. <i>Remorse</i> is, as its derivation indicates, a biting or gnawing back of guilt upon the heart, with no turning of heart from the sin, and no suggestion of divine forgiveness.</p> <h4>Antonyms:</h4> <table class="tba" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>approval,</td><td>content,</td><td>obduracy,</td><td>self-complacency,</td></tr> <tr><td>comfort,</td><td>hardness,</td><td>obstinacy,</td><td>self-congratulation,</td></tr> <tr><td>complacency,</td><td>impenitence,</td><td>self-approval,</td><td>stubbornness.</td></tr> </table> <h4>Prepositions:</h4> <p>Repentance <i>of</i> or <i>in</i> heart, or <i>from</i> the heart; repentance <i>for</i> sins; <i>before</i> or <i>toward</i> God; <i>unto</i> life.</p> <hr /> <h3>REPORT.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>account,</td><td>narrative,</td><td>rehearsal,</td><td>rumor,</td><td>story,</td></tr> <tr><td>description,</td><td>recital,</td><td>relation,</td><td>statement,</td><td>tale.</td></tr> <tr><td>narration,</td><td colspan="4">record,</td></tr> </table> <p><i>Account</i> carries the idea of a commercial summary. A <i>statement</i> is definite, confined to essentials and properly to matters within the personal knowledge of the one who states them; as, an ante-mortem <i>statement</i>. A <i>narrative</i> is a somewhat extended and embellished <i>account</i> of events in order of time, ordinarily with a view to please or entertain. A <i>description</i> gives especial scope to the pictorial element. A <i>report</i> (L. <i>re</i>, back, and <i>porto</i>, bring), as its etymology implies, is something brought back, as by one sent to obtain information, and may be concise and formal or highly descriptive and dramatic. Compare <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#ALLEGORY">ALLEGORY</SPAN></span>; <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#HISTORY">HISTORY</SPAN></span>; <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#RECORD">RECORD</SPAN></span>.</p> <hr /> <h3><SPAN name="REPROOF" id="REPROOF"></SPAN>REPROOF.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>admonition,</td><td>chiding,</td><td>disapproval,</td><td>reprimand,</td></tr> <tr><td>animadversion,</td><td>comment,</td><td>objurgation,</td><td>reproach,</td></tr> <tr><td>blame,</td><td>condemnation,</td><td>rebuke,</td><td>reproval,</td></tr> <tr><td>censure,</td><td>criticism,</td><td>reflection,</td><td rowspan="2">upbraiding.</td></tr> <tr><td>check,</td><td>denunciation,</td><td>reprehension,</td></tr> </table> <p><i>Blame</i>, <i>censure</i>, and <i>disapproval</i> may either be felt or uttered; <i>comment</i>, <i>criticism</i>, <i>rebuke</i>, <i>reflection</i>, <i>reprehension</i>, and <i>reproof</i> are always expressed. The same is true of <i>admonition</i> and <i>animadversion</i>. <i>Comment</i> and <i>criticism</i> may be favorable as well as censorious; they imply no superiority or authority on the part of him who utters them; nor do <i>reflection</i> or <i>reprehension</i>, which<span class="pgn"><SPAN name="Page_312" id="Page_312"></SPAN></span> are simply turning the mind back upon what is disapproved. <i>Reprehension</i> is supposed to be calm and just, and with good intent; it is therefore a serious matter, however mild, and is capable of great force, as expressed in the phrase severe <i>reprehension</i>. <i>Reflection</i> is often from mere ill feeling, and is likely to be more personal and less impartial than <i>reprehension</i>; we often speak of unkind or unjust <i>reflections</i>. <i>Rebuke</i>, literally a stopping of the mouth, is administered to a forward or hasty person; <i>reproof</i> is administered to one intentionally or deliberately wrong; both words imply authority in the reprover, and direct expression of <i>disapproval</i> to the face of the person <i>rebuked</i> or <i>reproved</i>. <i>Reprimand</i> is official <i>censure</i> formally administered by a superior to one under his command. <i>Animadversion</i> is <i>censure</i> of a high, authoritative, and somewhat formal kind. <i>Rebuke</i> may be given at the outset, or in the midst of an action; <i>animadversion</i>, <i>reflection</i>, <i>reprehension</i>, <i>reproof</i>, always follow the act; <i>admonition</i> is anticipatory, and meant to be preventive. <i>Check</i> is allied to <i>rebuke</i>, and given before or during action; <i>chiding</i> is nearer to <i>reproof</i>, but with more of personal bitterness and less of authority. Compare <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#CONDEMN">CONDEMN</SPAN></span>; <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#REPROVE">REPROVE</SPAN></span>.</p> <h4>Antonyms:</h4> <table class="tba" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>applause,</td><td>approval,</td><td rowspan="2">encomium,</td><td rowspan="2">eulogy,</td><td rowspan="2">panegyric,</td><td rowspan="2">praise.</td></tr> <tr><td>approbation,</td><td>commendation,</td></tr> </table> <hr /> <h3><SPAN name="REPROVE" id="REPROVE"></SPAN>REPROVE.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>admonish,</td><td>condemn,</td><td>reprimand,</td></tr> <tr><td>blame,</td><td>expostulate with,</td><td>reproach,</td></tr> <tr><td>censure,</td><td>find fault with,</td><td>take to task,</td></tr> <tr><td>chasten,</td><td>rebuke,</td><td>upbraid,</td></tr> <tr><td>check,</td><td>remonstrate with,</td><td>warn.</td></tr> <tr><td>chide,</td><td colspan="2">reprehend,</td></tr> </table> <p>To <i>censure</i> is to pronounce an adverse judgment that may or may not be expressed to the person <i>censured</i>; to <i>reprove</i> is to <i>censure</i> authoritatively, openly, and directly to the face of the person <i>reproved</i>; to <i>rebuke</i> is to <i>reprove</i> with sharpness, and often with abruptness, usually in the midst of some action or course of action deemed censurable; to <i>reprimand</i> is to <i>reprove</i> officially; to <i>blame</i> is a familiar word signifying to pass <i>censure</i> upon, make answerable, as for a fault; <i>blame</i> and <i>censure</i> apply either to persons or acts; <i>reprove</i> and <i>rebuke</i> are applied chiefly, and <i>reprimand</i> exclusively to persons. To <i>reproach</i> is to <i>censure</i> openly and vehemently, and with intense personal feeling as of grief or anger; as, to <i>reproach</i> one for ingratitude; <i>reproach</i> knows no distinction<span class="pgn"><SPAN name="Page_313" id="Page_313"></SPAN></span> of rank or character; a subject may <i>reproach</i> a king or a criminal judge. To <i>expostulate</i> or <i>remonstrate with</i> is to mingle reasoning and appeal with <i>censure</i> in the hope of winning one from his evil way, <i>expostulate</i> being the gentler, <i>remonstrate</i> the severer word. <i>Admonish</i> is the mildest of <i>reproving</i> words, and may even be used of giving a caution or warning where no wrong is implied, or of simply reminding of duty which might be forgotten. <i>Censure</i>, <i>rebuke</i>, and <i>reprove</i> apply to wrong that has been done; <i>warn</i> and <i>admonish</i> refer to anticipated error or fault. When one is <i>admonished</i> because of wrong already done, the view is still future, that he may not repeat or continue in the wrong. Compare <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#CONDEMN">CONDEMN</SPAN></span>; <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#REPROOF">REPROOF</SPAN></span>.</p> <h4>Antonyms:</h4> <table class="tba" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>abet,</td><td>approve,</td><td>countenance,</td><td>impel,</td><td>instigate,</td></tr> <tr><td>applaud,</td><td>cheer,</td><td>encourage,</td><td>incite,</td><td>urge on.</td></tr> </table> <hr /> <h3><SPAN name="REQUITE" id="REQUITE"></SPAN>REQUITE.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>avenge,</td><td>punish,</td><td>remunerate,</td><td>revenge,</td></tr> <tr><td>compensate,</td><td>quit,</td><td>repay,</td><td>reward,</td></tr> <tr><td>pay,</td><td>reciprocate,</td><td>retaliate,</td><td>satisfy,</td></tr> <tr><td>pay off,</td><td>recompense,</td><td>return,</td><td>settle with.</td></tr> </table> <p>To <i>repay</i> or to <i>retaliate</i>, to <i>punish</i> or to <i>reward</i>, may be to make some return very inadequate to the benefit or injury received, or the right or wrong done; but to <i>requite</i> (according to its etymology) is to make so full and adequate a <i>return</i> as to <i>quit</i> oneself of all obligation of favor or hostility, of punishment or <i>reward</i>. <i>Requite</i> is often used in the more general sense of <i>recompense</i> or <i>repay</i>, but always with the suggestion, at least, of the original idea of full equivalent; when one speaks of <i>requiting</i> kindness with ingratitude, the expression gains force from the comparison of the actual with the proper and appropriate <i>return</i>. Compare <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#PAY_n">PAY</SPAN></span>.</p> <h4>Antonyms:</h4> <table class="tba" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>absolve,</td><td>excuse,</td><td>forgive,</td><td>overlook,</td><td>pass over,</td></tr> <tr><td>acquit,</td><td>forget,</td><td>neglect,</td><td>pardon,</td><td>slight.</td></tr> </table> <h4>Preposition:</h4> <p>To requite injury <i>with</i> injury is human, but not Christian.</p> <hr /> <h3><SPAN name="REST" id="REST"></SPAN>REST.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>calm,</td><td>pause,</td><td>quietness,</td><td>slumber,</td></tr> <tr><td>calmness,</td><td>peace,</td><td>quietude,</td><td>stay,</td></tr> <tr><td>cessation,</td><td>peacefulness,</td><td>recreation,</td><td>stillness,</td></tr> <tr><td>ease,</td><td>quiescence,</td><td>repose,</td><td>stop,</td></tr> <tr><td>intermission,</td><td>quiet,</td><td>sleep,</td><td>tranquillity.</td></tr> </table> <p><i>Ease</i> denotes freedom from cause of disturbance, whether<span class="pgn"><SPAN name="Page_314" id="Page_314"></SPAN></span> external or internal. <i>Quiet</i> denotes freedom from agitation, or especially from annoying sounds. <i>Rest</i> is a <i>cessation</i> of activity especially of wearying or painful activity. <i>Recreation</i> is some pleasing activity of certain organs or faculties that affords <i>rest</i> to other parts of our nature that have become weary. <i>Repose</i> is a laying down, primarily of the body, and figuratively a similar freedom from toil or strain of mind. <i>Repose</i> is more complete than <i>rest</i>; a <i>pause</i> is a momentary <i>cessation</i> of activity; a black-smith finds a temporary <i>rest</i> while the iron is heating, but he does not yield to <i>repose</i>; in a <i>pause</i> of battle a soldier <i>rests</i> on his arms; after the battle the victor <i>reposes</i> on his laurels. <i>Sleep</i> is the perfection of <i>repose</i>, the most complete <i>rest</i>; <i>slumber</i> is a light and ordinarily pleasant form of <i>sleep</i>. In the figurative sense, <i>rest</i> of mind, soul, conscience, is not mere <i>cessation</i> of activity, but a pleasing, tranquil relief from all painful and wearying activity; <i>repose</i> is even more deep, tranquil, and complete.</p> <h4>Antonyms:</h4> <table class="tba" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>agitation,</td><td>disturbance,</td><td>movement,</td><td>stir,</td><td>tumult,</td></tr> <tr><td>commotion,</td><td>excitement,</td><td>restlessness,</td><td>strain,</td><td>unrest,</td></tr> <tr><td>disquiet,</td><td>motion,</td><td>rush,</td><td>toil,</td><td>work.</td></tr> </table> <hr /> <h3>RESTIVE.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>balky,</td><td>impatient,</td><td>rebellious,</td><td>restless,</td></tr> <tr><td>fidgety,</td><td>intractable,</td><td>recalcitrant,</td><td>skittish,</td></tr> <tr><td>fractious,</td><td>mulish,</td><td>refractory,</td><td>stubborn,</td></tr> <tr><td>fretful,</td><td>mutinous,</td><td>resentful,</td><td>unruly,</td></tr> <tr><td>frisky,</td><td>obstinate,</td><td>restiff,</td><td>vicious.</td></tr> </table> <p><i>Balky</i>, <i>mulish</i>, <i>obstinate</i>, and <i>stubborn</i> are synonyms of <i>restive</i> only in an infrequent if not obsolete use; the supposed sense of "tending to rest," "standing stubbornly still," is scarcely supported by any examples, and those cited to support that meaning often fail to do so. The disposition to offer active resistance to control by any means whatever is what is commonly indicated by <i>restive</i> in the best English speech and literature. Dryden speaks of "the pampered colt" as "<i>restiff</i> to the rein;" but the rein is not used to propel a horse forward, but to hold him in, and it is against this that he is "<i>restiff</i>." A horse may be made <i>restless</i> by flies or by martial music, but with no refractoriness; the <i>restive</i> animal impatiently resists or struggles to break from control, as by bolting, flinging his rider, or otherwise. With this the metaphorical use of the word agrees, which is always in the sense of such terms as <i>impatient</i>, <i>intractable</i>, <i>rebellious</i>, and the like; a people <i>restive</i><span class="pgn"><SPAN name="Page_315" id="Page_315"></SPAN></span> under despotism are not disposed to "rest" under it, but to resist it and fling it off.</p> <h4>Antonyms:</h4> <table class="tba" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>docile,</td><td>manageable,</td><td>passive,</td><td>quiet,</td><td>tractable,</td></tr> <tr><td>gentle,</td><td>obedient,</td><td>peaceable,</td><td>submissive,</td><td>yielding.</td></tr> </table> <hr /> <h3><SPAN name="RESTRAIN" id="RESTRAIN"></SPAN>RESTRAIN.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>abridge,</td><td>constrain,</td><td>hold in,</td><td>keep under,</td></tr> <tr><td>bridle,</td><td>curb,</td><td>keep,</td><td>repress,</td></tr> <tr><td>check,</td><td>hinder,</td><td>keep back,</td><td>restrict,</td></tr> <tr><td>circumscribe,</td><td>hold,</td><td>keep down,</td><td>suppress,</td></tr> <tr><td>confine,</td><td>hold back,</td><td>keep in,</td><td>withhold.</td></tr> </table> <p>To <i>restrain</i> is to <i>hold back</i> from acting, proceeding, or advancing, either by physical or moral force. <i>Constrain</i> is positive; <i>restrain</i> is negative; one is <i>constrained</i> to an action; he is <i>restrained</i> from an action. <i>Constrain</i> refers almost exclusively to moral force, <i>restrain</i> frequently to physical force, as when we speak of putting one under restraint. To <i>restrain</i> an action is to hold it partially or wholly in check, so that it is under pressure even while it acts; to <i>restrict</i> an action is to fix a limit or boundary which it may not pass, but within which it is free. To <i>repress</i>, literally to press back, is to hold in check, and perhaps only temporarily, that which is still very active; it is a feebler word than <i>restrain</i>; to <i>suppress</i> is finally and effectually to put down; <i>suppress</i> is a much stronger word than <i>restrain</i>; as, to <i>suppress</i> a rebellion. Compare <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#ARREST">ARREST</SPAN></span>; <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#BIND">BIND</SPAN></span>; <span class="smcl"><SPAN href="#KEEP">KEEP</SPAN></span>.</p> <h4>Antonyms:</h4> <table class="tba" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>aid,</td><td>arouse,</td><td>encourage,</td><td>free,</td><td>incite,</td><td>release,</td></tr> <tr><td>animate,</td><td>emancipate,</td><td>excite,</td><td>impel,</td><td>let loose,</td><td>set free.</td></tr> </table> <hr /> <h3>RETIREMENT.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>loneliness,</td><td>privacy,</td><td>seclusion,</td><td>solitude.</td></tr> </table> <p>In <i>retirement</i> one withdraws from association he has had with others; we speak of the <i>retirement</i> of a public man to private life, tho he may still be much in company. In <i>seclusion</i> one shuts himself away from the society of all except intimate friends or attendants; in <i>solitude</i> no other person is present. While <i>seclusion</i> is ordinarily voluntary, <i>solitude</i> may be enforced; we speak of the <i>solitude</i> rather than the <i>seclusion</i> of a prisoner. As "private" denotes what concerns ourselves individually, <i>privacy</i> denotes freedom from the presence or observation of those not concerned or whom we desire not to have concerned in our affairs;<span class="pgn"><SPAN name="Page_316" id="Page_316"></SPAN></span> <i>privacy</i> is more commonly temporary than <i>seclusion</i>; we speak of a moment's <i>privacy</i>. There may be <i>loneliness</i> without <i>solitude</i>, as amid an unsympathizing crowd, and <i>solitude</i> without <i>loneliness</i>, as when one is glad to be alone.</p> <h4>Antonyms:</h4> <table class="tba" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>association,</td><td>companionship,</td><td>company,</td><td>converse,</td><td>fellowship,</td><td>society.</td></tr> </table> <hr /> <h3>REVELATION.</h3> <h4>Synonyms:</h4> <table class="tbs" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>apocalypse,</td><td>disclosure,</td><td>manifestation.</td></tr> </table> <p><i>Revelation</i> (L. <i>re</i>, back, and <i>velum</i>, veil), literally an unveiling, is the act or process of making known what was before secret or hidden, or what may still be future. <i>Apocalypse</i> (Gr. <i>apo</i>, from, and <i>kalypto</i>, cover), literally an uncovering, comes into English as the name of the closing book of the Bible. The <i>Apocalypse</i> unveils the future, as if to the very gaze of the seer; the whole gospel is a <i>disclosure</i> of the mercy of God; the character of Christ is a <i>manifestation</i> of the divine holiness and love; all Scripture is a <i>revelation</i> of the divine will. Or we might say that nature is a <i>manifestation</i> of the divine character and will, of which Scripture is the fuller and more express <i>revelation</i>.</p> <h4>Antonyms:</h4> <table class="tba" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> <tr><td>cloud,</td><td>concealment,</td><td>mystery,</td><td>shrouding,</td></tr> <tr><td>cloudiness,</td><td>hiding,</td><td>obscuration,</td><td>veiling.</td></tr> </table> <hr /> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />