What is the term for a word that is opposite in meaning to another word?

The term for a word that is opposite in meaning to another word is "antonym." Antonyms are essential in understanding language as they provide contrasts that help clarify meaning and enrich vocabulary. For instance, the word "hot" has the antonym "cold." Recognizing antonyms can aid in better comprehension and more nuanced communication.

In contrast, synonyms refer to words that have similar meanings, such as "happy" and "joyful." Homonyms are words that sound the same or are spelled the same but have different meanings, like "bat" (the animal) and "bat" (the sports equipment). Idioms are phrases or expressions that have a figurative meaning different from their literal interpretation, such as "kick the bucket" meaning to die. Hence, knowing that antonyms represent oppositional meanings is crucial for mastering language.