English Synonyms and Antonyms

Finish has come to mean, not merely to complete in the essentials, but to perfect in all the minute details, as in
the expression "to add the finishing touches." The enumeration is completed; the poem, the picture, the statue
is finished. To terminate may be either to bring to an arbitrary or to an appropriate end; as, he terminated his
remarks abruptly; the spire terminates in a cross. A thing stops that comes to rest from motion; or the motion
stops or ceases when the object comes to rest; stop frequently signifies to bring or come to a sudden and
decided cessation of motion, progress, or action of any kind. Compare DO; TRANSACT.
Antonyms:
See synonyms for BEGIN.
Synonyms and Antonyms, by James Champlin Fernald
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END, n.
Synonyms:
accomplishment, effect, limit, achievement, expiration, outcome, bound, extent, period, boundary, extremity,
point, cessation, finale, purpose, close, finis, result, completion, finish, termination, conclusion, fulfilment,
terminus, consequence, goal, tip, consummation, intent, utmost, design, issue, uttermost.
The end is the terminal part of a material object that has length; the extremity is distinctively the terminal
point, and may thus be but part of the end in the general sense of that word; the extremity is viewed as that
which is most remote from some center, or some mean or standard position; the southern end of South
America includes all Patagonia, the southern extremity or point is Cape Horn. Tip has nearly the same
meaning as extremity, but is said of small or slight and tapering objects; as, the tip of the finger; point in such
connections is said of that which is drawn out to exceeding fineness or sharpness, as the point of a needle, a
fork, or a sword; extremity is said of something considerable; we do not speak of the extremity of a needle.
Terminus is chiefly used to designate the end of a line of travel or transportation: specifically, the furthermost
station in any direction on a railway, or by extension the town or village where it is situated. Termination is
the Latin and more formal word for the Saxon end, but is chiefly used of time, words, undertakings, or
abstractions of any kind. Expiration signifies the coming to an end in the natural course of things; as, the
expiration of a year, or of a lease; it is used of things of some consequence; we do not ordinarily speak of the
expiration of an hour or of a day. Limit implies some check to or restraint upon further advance, right, or
privilege; as, the limits of an estate (compare BOUNDARY). A goal is an end sought or striven for, as in a
race. For the figurative senses of end and its associated words, compare the synonyms for the verb END; also
for AIM; CONSEQUENCE; DESIGN.
Antonyms:
See synonyms for BEGINNING.
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ENDEAVOR, v.
Synonyms:
attempt, essay, strive, try, undertake.
To attempt is to take action somewhat experimentally with the hope and purpose of accomplishing a certain
result; to endeavor is to attempt strenuously and with firm and enduring purpose. To attempt expresses a
single act; to endeavor, a continuous exertion; we say I will endeavor (not I will attempt) while I live. To
attempt is with the view of accomplishing; to essay, with a view of testing our own powers. To undertake is to
accept or take upon oneself as an obligation, as some business, labor, or trust; the word often implies complete
assurance of success; as, I will undertake to produce the witness. To strive suggests little of the result, much
of toil, strain, and contest, in seeking it; I will strive to fulfil your wishes, i. e., I will spare no labor and
exertion to do it. Try is the most comprehensive of these words. The original idea of testing or experimenting
is not thought of when a man says "I will try." To attempt suggests giving up, if the thing is not accomplished
at a stroke; to try implies using other means and studying out other ways if not at first successful. Endeavor is
more mild and formal; the pilot in the burning pilot-house does not say "I will endeavor" or "I will attempt to
hold the ship to her course," but "I'll try, sir!"
Synonyms and Antonyms, by James Champlin Fernald
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Antonyms:
abandon, give up, omit, throw away, dismiss, let go, overlook, throw over, drop, neglect, pass by, throw up.
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ENDEAVOR, n.
Synonyms:
attempt, effort, essay, exertion, struggle, trial.