What do you call a word that has an opposite meaning?

The term that refers to a word with an opposite meaning is known as an antonym. This is important in understanding vocabulary because recognizing antonyms helps to expand language skills and allows for more nuanced expression. For example, the word "hot" has the antonym "cold." This relationship between words allows individuals to convey contrasting ideas or states.

In contrast, synonyms are words that have similar meanings, such as "happy" and "joyful." Homophones are words that sound alike but have different meanings, like "flower" and "flour." Synesis refers to a grammatical construction where the meaning of an expression evolves to a point that may differ from the literal interpretation, but it does not pertain to the concept of opposites in meaning. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective communication and comprehension.