What do you call words that have opposite meanings?

Words that have opposite meanings are known as antonyms. The term "antonym" comes from the Greek words "anti," meaning opposite, and "onym," meaning name. For instance, "hot" is an antonym of "cold," as they represent opposing concepts regarding temperature. Recognizing antonyms is crucial for understanding language and the nuances of meaning, allowing for richer and more precise communication.

In contrast, synonyms are words that have similar meanings, such as "big" and "large." Homonyms are words that sound alike or are spelled alike but have different meanings, like "bat" (the flying mammal) and "bat" (the sports equipment). The term "tononym" does not exist in standard English vocabulary and is not applicable in this context. Understanding these distinctions enhances vocabulary development and comprehension skills.