English Synonyms and Antonyms

well as, besides, in addition, too, withal, simply add a fact or thought; also (all so), in like manner, likewise,
similarly, affirm that what is added is like that to which it is added. As well follows the word or phrase to
which it is joined. We can say the singers as well as the players, or the players, and the singers as well.
Antonyms:
but, nevertheless, on the contrary, yet. in spite of, notwithstanding, on the other hand,
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ALTERNATIVE.
Synonyms and Antonyms, by James Champlin Fernald
36

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Synonyms:
choice, election, option, pick, preference, resource.
A choice may be among many things; an alternative is in the strictest sense a choice between two things;
oftener it is one of two things between which a choice is to be made, and either of which is the alternative of
the other; as, the alternative of surrender is death; or the two things between which there is a choice may be
called the alternatives; both Mill and Gladstone are quoted as extending the meaning of alternative to include
several particulars, Gladstone even speaking of "the fourth and last of these alternatives." Option is the right
or privilege of choosing; choice may be either the right to choose, the act of choosing, or the thing chosen. A
person of ability and readiness will commonly have many resources. Pick, from the Saxon, and election, from
the Latin, picture the objects before one, with freedom and power to choose which he will; as, there were
twelve horses, among which I could take my pick. A choice, pick, election, or preference is that which suits
one best; an alternative is that to which one is restricted; a resource, that to which one is glad to betake
oneself.
Antonyms:
compulsion, necessity.
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AMASS.
Synonyms:
accumulate, collect, heap up, hoard up, store up. aggregate, gather, hoard, pile up,
To amass is to bring together materials that make a mass, a great bulk or quantity. With some occasional
exceptions, accumulate is applied to the more gradual, amass to the more rapid gathering of money or
materials, amass referring to the general result or bulk, accumulate to the particular process or rate of gain.
We say interest is accumulated (or accumulates) rather than is amassed; he accumulated a fortune in the
course of years; he rapidly amassed a fortune by shrewd speculations. Goods or money for immediate
distribution are said to be collected rather than amassed. They may be stored up for a longer or shorter time;
but to hoard is always with a view of permanent retention, generally selfish. Aggregate is now most
commonly used of numbers and amounts; as, the expenses will aggregate a round million.
Antonyms:
disperse, divide, portion, spend, waste. dissipate, parcel, scatter, squander,
Prepositions:
Amass for oneself; for a purpose; from a distance; with great labor; by industry.
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AMATEUR.
Synonyms:
connoisseur, critic, dilettante, novice, tyro.
Synonyms and Antonyms, by James Champlin Fernald
37

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Etymologically, the amateur is one who loves, the connoisseur one who knows. In usage, the term amateur is
applied to one who pursues any study or art simply from the love of it; the word carries a natural implication
of superficialness, tho marked excellence is at times attained by amateurs. A connoisseur is supposed to be so
thoroughly informed regarding any art or work as to be able to criticize or select intelligently and
authoritatively; there are many incompetent critics, but there can not, in the true sense, be an incompetent