Learn opposite words in English with an interactive quiz

1. What are opposite words

Opposite words, or antonyms, are pairs of words that have contrasting meanings. For example, the opposite of hot is cold, and the opposite of happy is sad. Just like nouns and adjectives, verbs also have opposites. For example, the opposite of support is to abandon or oppose (She decided to oppose the new policy).

In this lesson, we’ve grouped 100 opposite words into 10 categories, with 10 word pairs in each category. This makes it easier to learn and remember antonyms in English based on their context. At the end of the lesson, an interactive quiz will help you practice and remember more opposite words.

2. Opposite words grouped by categories

2.1. Antonyms for taste

1. sweet – bitter

2. spicy – mild

3. sour – sweet

4. salty – bland

5. savoury – sweet

6. tangy – bland

7. rich – plain

8. zesty – dull

9. flavourful – tasteless

10. pungent – mild

2.2. Opposite words for physical appearance

Terms describing physical appearance can sometimes carry subjective or judgmental connotations. Be cautious while using these words and avoid using terms that reinforce stereotypes or biases. Words like "ugly" or "fat" can be hurtful. Use neutral or positive language whenever possible.

1. tall – short

2. fat – thin

3. beautiful – ugly

4. young – old

5. straight – curly

6. fair – dark

7. slender – bulky

8. fit – unfit

9. shiny – dull

10. graceful – awkward

2.3. Opposite words about emotions

1. happy – sad

2. angry – calm

3. excited – bored

4. confident – insecure

5. optimistic – pessimistic

6. joyful – miserable

7. content – discontent

8. hopeful – despairing

9. relaxed – stressed

10. grateful – ungrateful

2.4. Size

1. big – small

2. large – tiny

3. huge – miniature

4. wide – narrow

5. thick – thin

6. heavy – light

7. bulky – compact

8. massive – minute

9. spacious – cramped

10. expansive – limited

2.5. Speed

1. fast – slow

2. quick – lethargic

3. swift – sluggish

4. rapid – gradual

5. hasty – delayed

6. speedy – leisurely

7. brisk – sluggish

8. prompt – tardy

9. fleet – crawling

10. nimble – clumsy

2.6. Direction

1. up – down

2. left – right

3. forward – backward

4. north – south

5. east – west

6. above – below

7. inside – outside

8. front – back

9. toward – away

10. ascend – descend

2.7. Temperature

1. hot – cold

2. warm – cool

3. boiling – freezing

4. scorching – chilly

5. sunny – cloudy

6. humid – dry

7. sweltering – frigid

8. toasty – icy

9. steamy – frosty

10. balmy – nippy

2.8. Time

1. early – late

2. past – future

3. old – new

4. ancient – modern

5. day – night

6. morning – evening

7. dawn – dusk

8. now – then

9. soon – later

10. frequent – rare

2.9. Quantity

1. many – few

2. more – less

3. full – empty

4. abundant – scarce

5. plenty – lack

6. excess – shortage

7. surplus – deficit

8. loads – minimal

9. countless – limited

10. overflowing – bare

2.10. Antonyms for quality

1. good – bad

2. better – worse

3. best – worst

4. high – low

5. superior – inferior

6. excellent – poor

7. perfect – flawed

8. premium – substandard

9. fine – coarse

10. polished – rough