Online English Vocabulary Flashcards for Suffix -ism Words

absolutism (noun) /ˈæbsəluːtɪzm/
Definition: A form of government in which a single ruler holds complete and total authority over the state, without any constitutional limitations.
Example Sentence: "The absolutism of the monarchy was challenged during the revolution."
Synonyms: autarchy; authoritarianism; autocracy; despotism; dictatorship; fascism
Opposite Meaning: democracy

agnosticism (noun) /ægˈnɒs təˌsɪz əm/
Definition: A philosophical or theological standpoint characterized by the belief that the existence or nature of a higher power or ultimate truth is unknown, unknowable, or inherently beyond human comprehension.
Example Sentence: "Agnosticism fosters an open-minded and skeptical approach to matters of faith and belief."
Synonyms: ambivalence; doubt; hesitancy; hesitation; incredulity; indecision
Opposite Meaning: certainty

altruism (noun) /ˈæltruɪzᵊm/
Definition: The selfless concern for the well-being and welfare of others.
Example Sentence: "Acts of altruism can create a ripple effect of kindness and compassion."
Synonyms: benevolence; charity; compassion; empathy; generosity; goodwill
Opposite Meaning: selfishness

anachronism (noun) /əˈnakrənɪz(ə)m/
Definition: Something that is out of its proper chronological or historical order when considered in a specific context.
Example Sentence: "The medieval castle had a modern elevator, an anachronism that puzzled visitors."
Synonyms: antiquity; archaism; fossil; incongruity; obsolete; outdated
Opposite Meaning: contemporaneity

antagonism (noun) /ænˈtæg əˌnɪz əm/
Definition: A state or quality of being actively opposed or hostile towards someone or something.
Example Sentence: "The political debate was marked by intense antagonism between the candidates."
Synonyms: animosity; conflict; confrontation; contention; discord; enmity
Opposite Meaning: friendship

anthropomorphism (noun) /ˌanθrəpəˈmɔːfɪz(ə)m/
Definition: The attribution of human characteristics, emotions, and behaviors to non-human entities, such as animals, plants, or inanimate objects.
Example Sentence: "The advertising campaign used anthropomorphism to create a cute and relatable mascot."
Synonyms: ascription; characterizing; embodiment; humanization; imputation; incarnation
Opposite Meaning: dehumanization

aphorism (noun) /ˈafərɪz(ə)m/
Definition: A concise statement that expresses a wise or clever observation or a general truth about life.
Example Sentence: "All that glitters isn’t gold, is an example of a famous aphorism that has become part of our cultural lexicon."
Synonyms: adage; axiom; cliché; dictum; epigram; maxim
Opposite Meaning: verbosity

atheism (noun) /ˈeɪθɪɪz(ə)m/
Definition: The philosophical position that asserts the absence of belief in the existence of deities, gods, or a divine being.
Example Sentence: "Despite his atheism, he attended religious ceremonies out of respect for tradition."
Synonyms: agnosticism; disbelief; freethinking; freethought; godlessness; humanism
Opposite Meaning: theism

capitalism (noun) /ˈkæpɪtᵊlɪzᵊm/
Definition: An economic and political system characterized by private ownership of the means of production and the pursuit of profit.
Example Sentence: "In a capitalist system, private ownership is central to economic activities."
Synonyms: business; commerce; economy; individualism; laissez-faire; profit
Opposite Meaning: socialism

chauvinism (noun) /ˈʃoʊ vəˌnɪz əm/
Definition: A strong and often excessive belief in the superiority or dominance of one's own gender, nationality, or group, coupled with a biased or prejudiced attitude towards others.
Example Sentence: "The political leader's nationalistic chauvinism fueled tensions and hostility towards other countries."
Synonyms: bias; bigotry; discrimination; ethnocentrism; intolerance; jingoism
Opposite Meaning: egalitarianism

colonialism (noun) /kəˈləʊnɪəlɪz(ə)m/
Definition: The policy or practice of acquiring, maintaining, and expanding control over territories that are politically and economically controlled by a foreign power.
Example Sentence: "The history of Africa is marked by the impacts of colonialism."
Synonyms: annexation; conquest; control; domination; expansionism; exploitation
Opposite Meaning: liberation

communism (noun) /ˈkɒmjənɪzᵊm/
Definition: A socioeconomic and political ideology aimed at creating a classless society where the means of production are collectively owned and controlled by the community as a whole.
Example Sentence: "The goal of communism is to eliminate social and economic inequality."
Synonyms: Bolshevism; collectivism; commonwealth; egalitarianism; leftism; Marxism
Opposite Meaning: capitalism

consumerism (noun) /kənˈsjuːmərɪzᵊm/
Definition: A social and economic phenomenon that emphasizes consuming goods and services in order to achieve happiness, social status, and fulfillment.
Example Sentence: "The rise of consumerism has led to a culture of materialism and excess."
Synonyms: acquisitiveness; capitalism; commercialism; commodification; consumption; materialism
Opposite Meaning: minimalism

criticism (noun) /ˈkrɪt əˌsɪz əm/
Definition: Analyzing, evaluating, and expressing disapproval or negative judgment towards something or someone, often in a constructive or subjective manner.
Example Sentence: "Constructive criticism is essential for personal growth and improvement."
Synonyms: analysis; appraisal; assessment; censure; commentary; disapproval
Opposite Meaning: praise

cronyism (noun) /ˈkrəʊnɪɪz(ə)m/
Definition: The practice of showing favoritism to friends, family members, or associates in business or political contexts.
Example Sentence: "He was accused of cronyism for appointing his friends to high-level positions."
Synonyms: bias; camaraderie; chauvinism; chumminess; clannishness; cliqueism
Opposite Meaning: meritocracy

cynicism (noun) /ˈsɪn əˌsɪz əm/
Definition: An attitude or belief characterized by skepticism, distrust, and a general inclination to question the motives and sincerity of others.
Example Sentence: "His constant cynicism made it difficult for him to trust others."
Synonyms: disbelief; disillusionment; distrust; doubt; incredulity; irony
Opposite Meaning: optimism

despotism (noun) /ˈdɛs pəˌtɪz əm/
Definition: A form of government or rule characterized by the exercise of absolute power and control by a single ruler or a small group of individuals.
Example Sentence: "The despotism of the monarchy was challenged by a growing resistance movement."
Synonyms: absolutism; autarchy; authoritarianism; autocracy; dictatorship; monocracy
Opposite Meaning: democracy

dynamism (noun) /ˈdʌɪnəmɪz(ə)m/
Definition: The quality of being full of energy, movement, and open to positive change.
Example Sentence: "The company's dynamism and creativity were key to its success."
Synonyms: drive; enterprise; gusto; initiative; spirit; verve
Opposite Meaning: lethargy

egalitarianism (noun) /ɪˌgæl ɪˈtɛər i əˌnɪz əm/
Definition: A social and political philosophy that upholds the belief in equal rights, opportunities, and treatment for all individuals, regardless of their background, gender, race, or social status.
Example Sentence: "Egalitarianism aims to create a society where everyone's voice is heard and valued."
Synonyms: egalism; equalitarianism; equality; equalness; equitability; evenhandedness
Opposite Meaning: inequality

ethnocentrism (noun) /ˌɛθ noʊˈsɛn trɪz əm/
Definition: The tendency or belief that one's own cultural group or ethnic background is superior or more significant than others.
Example Sentence: "Ethnocentrism can hinder cross-cultural collaboration and cooperation."
Synonyms: bias; bigotry; chauvinism; exclusivism; insularity; intolerance
Opposite Meaning: multiculturalism

euphemism (noun) /ˈjuːfɪmɪz(ə)m/
Definition: A polite, inoffensive or mild expression used in place of a more direct or blunt one.
Example Sentence: "Restructuring' is a euphemism for cutting jobs."
Synonyms: alternative; circumlocution; colloquialism; concealment; delicacy; dodge
Opposite Meaning: vulgarity

existentialism (noun) /ˌɛg zɪˈstɛn ʃəˌlɪz əm/
Definition: The emphasis of an individual's existence and subjective experience as the starting point for understanding the meaning and purpose of life.
Example Sentence: "Existentialists believe that individuals create their own meaning in life."
Synonyms: angst; authenticity; choice; existence; freedom; identity
Opposite Meaning: materialism

fascism (noun) /ˈfæˌʃɪzəm/
Definition: A political ideology characterized by authoritarianism, extreme nationalism, and the suppression of opposition.
Example Sentence: "The rise of fascism in Europe led to World War II."
Synonyms: absolutism; authoritarianism; autocracy; communism; despotism; dictatorship
Opposite Meaning: democracy

feminism (noun) /ˈfɛmɪnɪzᵊm/
Definition: A social and political movement advocating for the equal rights, opportunities, and empowerment of women.
Example Sentence: "Feminism fights for gender equality and empowerment of women."
Synonyms: activism; advocacy; egalitarianism; empowerment; equality; liberation
Opposite Meaning: inequality

feudalism (noun) /ˈfjuːdəlɪz(ə)m/
Definition: A system in which people were given land and protection by people of higher rank, and worked and fought for them in return.
Example Sentence: "Feudalism was the prevailing socio-economic system during the medieval period."
Synonyms: bondage; drudgery; enslavement; grind; indenture; servility
Opposite Meaning: democracy

hedonism (noun) /ˈhid nˌɪz əm/
Definition: A philosophical or ethical belief system that prioritizes the pursuit of pleasure and personal enjoyment as the ultimate goal in life.
Example Sentence: "Some critics argue that hedonism leads to a shallow and self-centered existence."
Synonyms: debauchery; delight; enjoyment; epicureanism; gratification; indulgence
Opposite Meaning: asceticism

humanism (noun) /ˈhjuːmənɪzᵊm/
Definition: A philosophical and ethical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively.
Example Sentence: "Humanism rejects the idea of divine intervention in human affairs."
Synonyms: agnosticism; altruism; anthropocentrism; atheism; enlightenment; freethinking
Opposite Meaning: inhumanity

imperialism (noun) /ɪmˈpɪərɪəl/
Definition: A political and economic system in which a powerful nation extends its influence, control, and authority over other territories, often far beyond its own borders.
Example Sentence: "Imperialism led to the colonization of vast territories in Africa, Asia, and the Americas."
Synonyms: colonialism; conquest; control; dominance; empire; expansionism
Opposite Meaning: decolonization

incendiarism (noun) /ɪnˈsɛn di əˌrɪz əm/
Definition: The act or offense of intentionally starting fires, particularly with malicious or criminal intent.
Example Sentence: "The investigators discovered evidence of incendiarism at the scene of the fire."
Synonyms: arson; burning; combustion; conflagration; flaming; ignition
Opposite Meaning: fire-fighting

initialism (noun) /ɪˈnɪʃ əˌlɪz əm/
Definition: A type of abbreviation or acronym where each letter represents a distinct word.
Example Sentence: "The medical report was filled with initialisms like EKG, MRI, and ICU."
Synonyms: abbreviation; acronym; code; condensation; lettering; monogram
Opposite Meaning: expansion

isolationism (noun) /ˌaɪ səˈleɪ ʃəˌnɪz əm/
Definition: A political or foreign policy approach adopted by a country or a group of people that prioritizes self-reliance, independence, and minimal involvement in international affairs.
Example Sentence: "The country's decision to embrace isolationism led to a decline in international trade and diplomatic relations."
Synonyms: aloofness; detachment; independence; insularity; insulation; reclusiveness
Opposite Meaning: internationalism

jingoism (noun) /ˈdʒɪŋɡəʊɪz(ə)m/
Definition: A strong and aggressive nationalism or patriotism that often includes aggressive foreign policy, particularly in the form of military intervention.
Example Sentence: "The media's coverage of international affairs was criticized for promoting jingoism."
Synonyms: aggressiveness; bellicosity; belligerence; bigotry; chauvinism; hawkishness
Opposite Meaning: internationalism

malapropism (noun) /ˈmaləprəpɪz(ə)m/
Definition: The incorrect use of a word that is similar in sound to the word they intended to use, often with humorous or amusing effect.
Example Sentence: "She couldn't help but laugh at the malapropism he made during the interview."
Synonyms: blooper; blunder; flub; gaffe; mistake; misusage
Opposite Meaning: correctness

mannerism (noun) /ˈmanərɪz(ə)m/
Definition: A way of behaving or speaking that is distinctive and characteristic of a particular person or group.
Example Sentence: "The athlete's victory pose had become a well-known mannerism after each win."
Synonyms: characteristic; eccentricity; foible; habit; idiosyncrasy; oddity
Opposite Meaning: spontaneity

marxism (noun) /ˈmɑːksɪzᵊm/
Definition: A socio-political and economic theory developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.
Example Sentence: "Marxism seeks to establish a classless society based on collective ownership."
Synonyms: class; classless; collectivism; communism; dialectical; doctrine
Opposite Meaning: capitalism

materialism (noun) /məˈtɪəriəlɪzᵊm/
Definition: A philosophical and ideological stance that places a strong emphasis on material possessions and physical comforts as the primary factors in human life.
Example Sentence: "He was critical of the materialism and superficiality of modern culture."
Synonyms: acquisitiveness; affluence; capitalism; commercialism; consumerism; greed
Opposite Meaning: spirituality

metabolism (noun) /məˈtæb əˌlɪz əm/
Definition: The set of biochemical processes that occur within an organism to sustain life.
Example Sentence: "Metabolism is the process by which your body converts food into energy."
Synonyms: anabolism; assimilation; biochemistry; breakdown; catabolism; conversion
Opposite Meaning: inactivity

multiculturalism (noun) /ˌmʌl tiˈkʌl tʃər əˌlɪz əm/
Definition: A social and political ideology that recognizes and values the coexistence of diverse cultures within a society.
Example Sentence: "The city embraces multiculturalism, with residents from various backgrounds."
Synonyms: cosmopolitanism; diversity; globalism; heterogeneity; inclusion; integration
Opposite Meaning: uniformity

narcissism (noun) /ˈnɑːsɪsɪzᵊm/
Definition: A psychological trait or personality disorder characterized by an excessive preoccupation with oneself, an inflated sense of self-importance, and a constant craving for admiration and validation.
Example Sentence: "Narcissism often leads to a lack of empathy towards others."
Synonyms: arrogance; bigheadedness; boastfulness; braggadocio; cockiness; conceit
Opposite Meaning: altruism

neocolonialism (noun) /ˌni oʊ kəˈloʊ ni əˌlɪz əm/
Definition: A contemporary form of domination and control exercised by powerful nations over less developed or formerly colonized countries.
Example Sentence: "Neocolonialism involves the imposition of Western ideologies and values on subordinate nations."
Synonyms: control; dependency; domination; exploitation; hegemony; imperialism
Opposite Meaning: independence

neoliberalism (noun) /ˌni oʊˈlɪb ər əˌlɪz əm/
Definition: A political and economic ideology that advocates for minimal government intervention, free markets, and individual liberty as the driving forces for economic growth and social progress.
Example Sentence: "Neoliberalism promotes privatization of public services."
Synonyms: capitalism; deregulation; globalism; globalization; individualism; laissez-faire
Opposite Meaning: socialism

nepotism (noun) /ˈnɛpətɪz(ə)m/
Definition: The practice of favoring one's own family members or close associates in business or political appointments, regardless of their qualifications or merit.
Example Sentence: "The company was accused of nepotism when the CEO's son was given a high-level position."
Synonyms: bias; cronyism; discrimination; favoritism; favouritism; inequity
Opposite Meaning: meritocracy

nihilism (noun) /ˈnʌɪ(h)ɪlɪz(ə)m/
Definition: A philosophical belief that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value.
Example Sentence: "The play deals with the concept of moral nihilism, where all moral principles are rejected."
Synonyms: abnegation; atheism; cynicism; pessimism; rejection; renunciation
Opposite Meaning: existentialism

nontheism (noun) /nɒn-ˈθiːɪzᵊm/
Definition: The absence or rejection of the belief in a specific deity or gods.
Example Sentence: "There's a wide spectrum within nontheism, ranging from agnosticism to atheism."
Synonyms: disbelief; godlessness; humanism; irreligion; naturalism; rationalism
Opposite Meaning: theism

occultism (noun) /əˈkʌl tɪz əm/
Definition: The study, practice, or belief in hidden or secret knowledge, supernatural powers, and mystical or esoteric principles.
Example Sentence: "Practitioners of occultism believe in the existence of hidden energies and spiritual realms beyond the physical world."
Synonyms: alchemy; divination; enchantment; esotericism; magic; mysticism
Opposite Meaning: science

organism (noun) /ˈɔr gəˌnɪz əm/
Definition: A living entity, typically a single individual, capable of exhibiting vital functions and maintaining homeostasis.
Example Sentence: "The ecosystem supported a diverse range of organisms, from insects to mammals."
Synonyms: animal; beast; being; bioform; creature; critter
Opposite Meaning: nonliving

pacifism (noun) /ˈpæsɪfɪzᵊm/
Definition: A belief or philosophy that promotes peace and non-violence as a means of resolving conflicts.
Example Sentence: "The pacifist advocated for diplomatic negotiations instead of military intervention."
Synonyms: antiwar; concord; cooperation; harmony; nonaggression; nonviolence
Opposite Meaning: aggression

paganism (noun) /ˈpeɪ gəˌnɪz əm/
Definition: A group of religious and spiritual traditions that are not part of the major world religions, such as Christianity, Islam, or Judaism.
Example Sentence: "Some forms of paganism involve the worship of nature spirits."
Synonyms: animism; druidry; heathenism; idolatry; pantheism; polytheism
Opposite Meaning: monotheism

pantheism (noun) /ˈpanθiːɪz(ə)m/
Definition: The belief that God and the laws of the universe are the same thing.
Example Sentence: "Pantheism is the belief that God is identical with the universe and its natural laws."
Synonyms: agnosticism; animism; atheism; deism; deity; dualism
Opposite Meaning: atheism

pessimism (noun) /ˈpɛsɪmɪzᵊm/
Definition: A tendency to see or anticipate negative outcomes or to focus on the worst-case scenario.
Example Sentence: "The student's pessimism about her ability to succeed was holding her back."
Synonyms: bleakness; cynicism; defeatism; despair; despondency; fatalism
Opposite Meaning: optimism

plagiarism (noun) /ˈpleɪ dʒəˌrɪz əm/
Definition: The act of using someone else's words, ideas, or creative work without giving proper credit or obtaining permission.
Example Sentence: "The singer faced accusations of plagiarism when similarities between her song and another artist's work were pointed out."
Synonyms: appropriation; bootlegging; borrowing; copying; counterfeiting; fraud
Opposite Meaning: originality

pluralism (noun) /ˈplʊərəlɪz(ə)m/
Definition: The coexistence of multiple, diverse beliefs, values, and lifestyles within a society or group.
Example Sentence: "The festival is a celebration of cultural pluralism."
Synonyms: assortment; coexistence; conflation; divergence; diversity; fusion
Opposite Meaning: uniformity

postmodernism (noun) /poʊstˈmɒd ərˌnɪz əm/
Definition: A philosophical and cultural movement that challenges the dominant notions of objective truth, grand narratives, and fixed meanings.
Example Sentence: "The postmodern movement embraces subjectivity and multiple perspectives."
Synonyms: deconstruction; discursiveness; fragmentation; heterogeneity; intertextuality; irony
Opposite Meaning: traditionalism

pragmatism (noun) /ˈpræg məˌtɪz əm/
Definition: A philosophical approach that emphasizes practicality, consequences, and the usefulness of ideas and actions.
Example Sentence: "Pragmatism encourages individuals to find practical solutions to everyday problems."
Synonyms: adaptability; effectiveness; empiricism; flexibility; functionality; practicality
Opposite Meaning: idealism

protectionism (noun) /prəˈtɛk ʃəˌnɪz əm/
Definition: An economic policy or practice that aims to shield domestic industries or businesses from foreign competition by imposing various barriers, restrictions, or tariffs on imports.
Example Sentence: "Critics argue that protectionism stifles innovation and hampers economic growth."
Synonyms: autarky; barricading; blockading; defense; domesticity; embargoes
Opposite Meaning: free trade

realism (noun) /ˈri əˌlɪz əm/
Definition: A philosophical and artistic approach that emphasizes the accurate representation of reality in its most objective and unfiltered form.
Example Sentence: "Realism in painting strives to capture the intricacies of light and shadow in everyday scenes."
Synonyms: accuracy; actuality; authenticity; factuality; fidelity; naturalism
Opposite Meaning: fantasy

recidivism (noun) /rɪˈsɪdɪvɪzᵊm/
Definition: The tendency of a person who has been previously convicted of a crime to reoffend and return to criminal behavior.
Example Sentence: "The offender's recidivism was attributed to a lack of access to mental health services."
Synonyms: circularity; habituation; recidivation; recommitment; reiteration; relapse
Opposite Meaning: reform

schism (noun) /ˈsɪz(ə)m/
Definition: A division or split within a group or organization, often caused by a disagreement over beliefs or practices.
Example Sentence: "The schism in the music band led to the departure of several members."
Synonyms: breach; breakup; discord; disharmony; dispute; disunion
Opposite Meaning: unity

separatism (noun) /ˈsɛp ər ə tɪsm/
Definition: A political or social ideology advocating for the separation or independence of a particular group or region from a larger entity, such as a nation or state.
Example Sentence: "The leader of the separatism movement was arrested on charges of sedition."
Synonyms: autonomy; breakaway; detachment; disunion; division; independence
Opposite Meaning: unity

skepticism (noun) /ˈskɛp təˌsɪz əm/
Definition: An attitude or state of mind characterized by doubt, questioning, or a tendency to withhold belief or acceptance of certain claims, ideas, or propositions.
Example Sentence: "Her skepticism led her to question the validity of the scientific study."
Synonyms: cynicism; disbelief; doubt; doubtfulness; hesitation; incredulity
Opposite Meaning: credulity

socialism (noun) /ˈsəʊʃᵊlɪzᵊm/
Definition: An economic and political ideology advocating for collective ownership and control of the means of production and the redistribution of wealth and resources in society.
Example Sentence: "Socialism aims to achieve economic and social equality."
Synonyms: bolshevism; collectivism; communalism; egalitarianism; leftism; leftist
Opposite Meaning: capitalism

solecism (noun) /ˈsɒlɪsɪz(ə)m/
Definition: A grammatical mistake, linguistic impropriety, or social faux pas in language use.
Example Sentence: "The writer's solecism in grammar led to confusion in the sentence."
Synonyms: blunder; gaffe; impropriety; incivility; incongruity; indecorum
Opposite Meaning: correctness

stoicism (noun) /ˈstoʊ əˌsɪz əm/
Definition: An inner peace and tranquility achieved by cultivating a mindset focused on virtue, rationality, and acceptance of the natural order of the universe.
Example Sentence: "The philosophy of Stoicism teaches individuals to control their emotions."
Synonyms: acceptance; composure; detachment; equanimity; fortitude; rationality
Opposite Meaning: excitability

symbolism (noun) /ˈsɪmbᵊlɪzᵊm/
Definition: The use of symbols or symbolic elements to represent abstract ideas, concepts, or emotions in a work of art or literature.
Example Sentence: "The movie's use of imagery and symbolism added depth and complexity to the story."
Synonyms: allegory; allusion; iconography; imagery; metaphor; representation
Opposite Meaning: literalness

syncretism (noun) /ˈsɪŋkrɪtɪzᵊm/
Definition: The blending or merging of different beliefs, cultures, or religions.
Example Sentence: "The blend of Hinduism and Buddhism in the religions of Bali is a form of syncretism."
Synonyms: amalgamation; assimilation; combination; conflation; convergence; eclecticism
Opposite Meaning: isolation

totalitarianism (noun) /toʊˌtæl ɪˈtɛər i əˌnɪz əm/
Definition: A political system or ideology characterized by centralized and absolute control over all aspects of public and private life.
Example Sentence: "The totalitarian regime relied on surveillance to monitor and control its citizens."
Synonyms: authoritarianism; autocracy; control; despotism; dictatorship; dominance
Opposite Meaning: democracy

transhumanism (noun) /trænsˈhyu məˌnɪz əm/
Definition: The advocacy for the use of technology and science to enhance and transcend human capabilities and limitations.
Example Sentence: "The philosophy of transhumanism raises ethical questions about human enhancement."
Synonyms: advancement; augmentation; biotechnology; cyborgism; enhancement; evolution
Opposite Meaning: naturalism

tribalism (noun) /ˈtrʌɪbəlɪz(ə)m/
Definition: The loyalty and solidarity to one's own group, often based on shared identity such as race, ethnicity, nationality, or culture.
Example Sentence: "The tribalism within the community was a major source of conflict."
Synonyms: clannishness; communalism; ethnocentrism; exclusivism; factionalism; insularity
Opposite Meaning: individualism

truism (noun) /ˈtru ɪz əm/
Definition: A statement or belief that is widely accepted as true or self-evident.
Example Sentence: "It is a truism that honesty is the best policy when it comes to maintaining trustworthy relationships."
Synonyms: adage; aphorism; axiom; cliché; dictum; doctrine
Opposite Meaning: falsehood

vandalism (noun) /ˈvæn dlˌɪz əm/
Definition: The act of deliberately and unlawfully damaging or destroying property, typically public or private, without the owner's consent.
Example Sentence: "The police arrested a group of teenagers for engaging in acts of vandalism in the downtown area."
Synonyms: damage; defacement; demolition; desecration; desolation; destruction
Opposite Meaning: preservation

witticism (noun) /ˈwɪt əˌsɪz əm/
Definition: A clever or witty remark, comment, or expression that is marked by its humor, intelligence, or wordplay.
Example Sentence: "The sitcom was known for its rapid-fire witticisms that kept viewers laughing throughout each episode."
Synonyms: gag; jest; joke; pun; quip; repartee
Opposite Meaning: dullness