Contronyms Quiz
1 / 15Words that are their own opposites — can you figure out the meanings?
15 quick questionsNo sign-upFree to playTap an answer below to begin ↓
The word 'dust' is a contronym. What are its two opposite meanings?
About Contronyms Quiz
Words that are their own opposites — can you figure out the meanings? Contronyms Quiz packs 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 5 easy, 5 medium, 5 hard questions into a relaxed session of roughly 7 minutes — no sign-up, no timer pressure. An explanation appears after every answer, and finishing once a day keeps your streak alive.
A few sample questions
1. The word 'dust' is a contronym. What are its two opposite meanings?
Answer: To remove fine particles / To add fine particles
'Dust' can mean to remove dust (as in dusting furniture) or to add a fine layer of particles (as in dusting a cake with powdered sugar). The same word, opposite actions!
2. The word 'left' is a contronym. How can it have opposite meanings?
Answer: Departed / Remaining
'Left' can mean 'departed' (as in 'She left the building') or 'remaining' (as in 'There are two cookies left'). Two completely opposite meanings from the same word.
3. How is 'off' a contronym?
Answer: The alarm went off (activated) / Turn the alarm off (deactivated)
'Off' can mean activated ('The alarm went off') or deactivated ('Turn the alarm off'). This makes it one of the most confusing contronyms in English.
4. The word 'fast' is a contronym. What are its opposite meanings?
Answer: Moving quickly / Stuck firmly in place
'Fast' can mean 'moving quickly' (a fast car) or 'stuck firmly in place' (hold fast, colorfast). The 'firmly fixed' meaning is actually the older one, from Old English.
5. How is the word 'clip' a contronym?
Answer: To cut apart / To fasten together
'Clip' can mean to cut apart (clip a coupon from the newspaper) or to fasten together (clip papers together with a paperclip). Completely opposite actions!
Things you'll learn along the way
- 'Sanction' can mean to give official permission or approval ('The government sanctioned the project') or to impose a penalty ('Economic sanctions were placed on the country').
- 'Overlook' can mean to have a view from above ('The balcony overlooks the garden') or to fail to notice ('I overlooked that detail'). Seeing versus not seeing!
- 'Bolt' can mean to secure something in place ('bolt the door') or to run away suddenly ('the horse bolted'). One meaning keeps things in place, the other involves rapid departure.
Frequently asked questions
Can I print Contronyms Quiz?
Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.
Will I lose my progress if I close the page?
Your overall progress — XP, streaks, and badges — is saved in your browser automatically. A quiz that's underway restarts if you leave mid-game, but at about 7 minutes, Contronyms Quiz fits comfortably in one sitting.
How many questions are in Contronyms Quiz?
Contronyms Quiz has 15 multiple-choice questions. Each one has four answer options and an explanation that appears after you answer, so you learn something even when you miss.
Is Contronyms Quiz free to play?
Yes. The entire SeniorBrainGames catalog — including Contronyms Quiz — is free, with no sign-up required, no time limits, and no ads on top of the game. It also works offline once the page has loaded once.
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