is the antithesis of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is the antithesis of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that one thing is the direct opposite or contrast of another. Example: "In the debate about freedom and control, the concept of totalitarianism is the antithesis of democracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"This is the antithesis of individualism.

The New Yorker

He is the antithesis of beach volleyball.

The New Yorker

Yacht-rock is the antithesis of that".

Independent

It is the antithesis of a resort.

The New York Times

He is the antithesis of Eriksson.

The New York Times

That is the antithesis of science.

The Guardian

This is the antithesis of that".

The New York Times

But it is the antithesis of conservatism.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is the antithesis of anything spiritual.

The New York Times

That is the antithesis of liberty.

The New York Times

It is the antithesis of fast-fashion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is the antithesis of" when you want to emphasize that two things are not just different but fundamentally opposed or contradictory. This phrase adds a level of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is the antithesis of" when simply describing a difference. This phrase is reserved for scenarios where there's a complete and fundamental opposition, not just a minor divergence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is the antithesis of" functions as a predicate nominative, linking the subject to a noun phrase that renames it, emphasizing a relationship of complete opposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively conveys that something is the direct opposite of another. For example, "Terrorism is the antithesis of peaceful coexistence."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is the antithesis of" is a powerful phrase used to express fundamental opposition between two subjects. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in News & Media. When writing, reserve this phrase for scenarios where the contrast is stark and meaningful, avoiding its misuse for simple differences. Consider alternatives like "is the direct opposite of" for simpler contexts. Remember, this expression will add sophistication to your work when you use it to express a meaningful and complete opposition between two entities or concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is the direct opposite of

Replaces "antithesis" with a more straightforward term, focusing on direct opposition.

is the polar opposite of

Emphasizes the extreme contrast between two things.

is in stark contrast to

Highlights the distinct difference between two things, focusing on the visual image of contrast.

is the very negation of

Uses a more formal and emphatic term to indicate complete opposition.

is diametrically opposed to

Indicates opposition from completely opposite directions or viewpoints.

is the contradiction of

Focuses on the logical inconsistency between two things.

is the reversal of

Highlights that something is the opposite or contrary of what was previously mentioned.

is the converse of

Focuses on the relationship where the two are in an opposite relation or effect.

stands in opposition to

Highlights the concept of resistance or contrast to another thing.

represents the negation of

Expresses that something is the opposite of a thing in a formal way.

FAQs

How can I use "is the antithesis of" in a sentence?

Use "is the antithesis of" to show a direct and fundamental opposition between two concepts or things. For example, "Generosity "is the antithesis of" greed".

What are some alternatives to "is the antithesis of"?

Some alternatives include "is the direct opposite of", "is the polar opposite of", or "is in stark contrast to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "is the antithesis of"?

No, "is the antithesis of" is best used when highlighting a profound and fundamental opposition. If you're simply describing a difference, a phrase like "is different from" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "is the antithesis of" and "is the opposite of"?

"Is the antithesis of" carries a stronger connotation of fundamental opposition and contradiction, while "is the opposite of" is a more general statement of being contrary. The former implies a complete reversal or negation.