suction
2 synonyms and 1 antonym for suction, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A force that pulls or holds things together because the pressure in a space is lower than the pressure around it.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Antonyms
How to use suction
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
create suction
suction cup
suction power
Etymology
From Latin sūctiō, related to sūgō, "to suck." The word has been used in English since the early 1600s.
Full origin of suction →Frequently asked questions
What does “suction” mean?
The word “suction” means a force that pulls or holds things together because the pressure in a space is lower than the pressure around it. In plain terms, the pulling force created when pressure is lower in one space than another, so things get drawn in or held on.
How do you pronounce “suction”?
“Suction” is pronounced SUHK-shuhn (/ˈsʌkʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “suction” in a sentence?
Here is “suction” used in a sentence: “The vacuum cleaner uses suction to lift dirt from the carpet.”
What is the opposite of “suction”?
The opposite of “suction” — its antonyms — is unsuction.
What part of speech is “suction”?
Depending on how it is used, “suction” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “suction” come from?
The word “suction” dates back to around 1600 and comes from Latin. From Latin sūctiō, related to sūgō, "to suck." The word has been used in English since the early 1600s.
Is “suction” a common word?
“Suction” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “suction” have?
“Suction” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a force that pulls or holds things together because the pressure in a space is lower than the pressure around it.
