contranym

or con·tro·nym

[ kon-truh-nim ]

noun

1. Janus word ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of contranym¹

First recorded in 1960–65; contra- ¹( def ) + -(o)nym ( def )

Example Sentences

Alternatively, a contranym can reverse meanings when it is used as a different part of speech.

From The New Yorker

Occasionally, however, a contranym arises through a process called amelioration, whereby a normally negative word develops a secondary, positive meaning.

From The New Yorker

These curious uses turn “no” into a kind of contranym: a word that can function as its own opposite.

From The New Yorker

Alternatively, a contranym can reverse meanings when it is used as a different part of speech.

From The New Yorker

These curious uses turn “no” into a kind of contranym: a word that can function as its own opposite.

From The New Yorker