ˌænˌtaɪ,
ˌænti;
sometimes ˌæntɪ before consonants
1
: opposite to something
anticlimax
antisocial
2
: against someone or something
antigovernment [=opposed to the government]
antismoking
antiwar
—often used with a hyphenanti-American
anti-poverty
anti-gun
3
: acting to prevent something
antibacterial
antifreeze
antitheft
4
: fighting or defending against something
antiaircraft
Cite this Entry
“Anti-.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/anti-. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
