A synonym is a word that means the same as another. An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another. A contronym is a word that, by some freak of language evolution, are their own antonyms.
Here are a few examples of contronyms:
- bolt - secure, run away
- cleave - separate, adhere
- custom - usual, special
- fix - restore, castrate
- grade - incline, level
- left - remaining, departed from
- fast - quick, unmoving
- screen - show, hide
- weather - withstand, wear away
- wind up - end, start up (e.g., a watch)
Fun With Words has more examples of contronyms.
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