Can anyone provide me with a list of English words that are their own antonyms?



I am looking for a list of all English words that are their own antonyms. Off the top of my head, I can only think of "either", "fast", "to dust" and "to lease", but there must be dozens more. Can you provide a link to a comprehensive list, if such exists?


Also, what are such words most commonly called? I like the term "Janus word" I once heard, but is that widely understood?


Edited by popular demand to make it absolutely clear that this is not a community wiki poll.



Answer



I think you're referring to Auto-antonyms. They are not the same word but a homograph (a word of the same spelling) that is also an antonym. I guess, Janus word is also acceptable.


There was a list on Wikipedia (List of Auto-antonyms in English), since moved to Wiktionary's Appendix of English contranyms.


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