English Synonyms and Antonyms

Abomination (from the L. ab omen, a thing of ill omen) was originally applied to anything held in religious or
ceremonial aversion or abhorrence; as, "The things which are highly esteemed among men are abomination
in the sight of God." Luke xvi, 15. The word is oftener applied to the object of such aversion or abhorrence
than to the state of mind that so regards it; in common use abomination signifies something very much
disliked or loathed, or that deserves to be. Choice food may be an object of aversion and disgust to a sick
person; vile food would be an abomination. A toad is to many an object of disgust; a foul sewer is an
abomination. As applied to crimes, abomination is used of such as are especially brutal, shameful, or
revolting; theft is an offense; infanticide is an abomination.
Antonyms:
affection, blessing, enjoyment, joy, appreciation, delight, esteem, satisfaction, approval, desire, gratification,
treat. benefit,
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ABRIDGMENT.
Synonyms and Antonyms, by James Champlin Fernald
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Synonyms:
abbreviation, compend, epitome, summary, abstract, compendium, outline, synopsis. analysis, digest,
An abridgment gives the most important portions of a work substantially as they stand. An outline or synopsis
is a kind of sketch closely following the plan. An abstract or digest is an independent statement of what the
book contains. An analysis draws out the chief thoughts or arguments, whether expressed or implied. A
summary is the most condensed statement of results or conclusions. An epitome, compend, or compendium is
a condensed view of a subject, whether derived from a previous publication or not. We may have an
abridgment of a dictionary, but not an analysis, abstract, digest, or summary. We may have an epitome of
religion, a compendium of English literature, but not an abridgment. Compare ABBREVIATION.
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ABSOLUTE.
Synonyms:
arbitrary, compulsory, haughty, peremptory, arrogant, controlling, imperative, positive, authoritative,
despotic, imperious, supreme, autocratic, dictatorial, irresponsible, tyrannical, coercive, dogmatic, lordly,
unconditional, commanding, domineering, overbearing, unequivocal. compulsive, exacting,
In the strict sense, absolute, free from all limitation or control, and supreme, superior to all, can not properly
be said of any being except the divine. Both words are used, however, in a modified sense, of human
authorities; absolute then signifying free from limitation by other authority, and supreme exalted over all
other; as, an absolute monarch, the supreme court. Absolute, in this use, does not necessarily carry any
unfavorable sense, but as absolute power in human hands is always abused, the unfavorable meaning
predominates. Autocratic power knows no limits outside the ruler's self; arbitrary power, none outside the
ruler's will or judgment, arbitrary carrying the implication of wilfulness and capriciousness. Despotic is
commonly applied to a masterful or severe use of power, which is expressed more decidedly by tyrannical.
Arbitrary may be used in a good sense; as, the pronunciation of proper names is arbitrary; but the bad sense is
the prevailing one; as, an arbitrary proceeding. Irresponsible power is not necessarily bad, but eminently
dangerous; an executor or trustee should not be irresponsible; an irresponsible ruler is likely to be tyrannical.
A perfect ruler might be irresponsible and not tyrannical. Authoritative is used always in a good sense,
implying the right to claim authority; imperative, peremptory, and positive are used ordinarily in the good
sense; as, an authoritative definition; an imperative demand; a peremptory command; positive instructions;