tantamount
3 synonyms for tantamount, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Equal in effect or seriousness to something else, even if not literally the same.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use tantamount
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
tantamount to treason
tantamount to an admission
Etymology
Borrowed in the early 1600s, most likely from Italian tanto montare ("to amount to as much"), or from an Anglo-Norman phrase with the same meaning.
Full origin of tantamount →Frequently asked questions
What does “tantamount” mean?
The word “tantamount” means equal in effect or seriousness to something else, even if not literally the same. In plain terms, as good as; effectively the same as, even if not stated outright.
How do you pronounce “tantamount”?
“Tantamount” is pronounced TAN-tuh-mownt (/ˈtæntəˌmaʊnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “tantamount” in a sentence?
Here is “tantamount” used in a sentence: “Ignoring the warning was tantamount to admitting guilt.”
What part of speech is “tantamount”?
“Tantamount” is an adjective.
Where does the word “tantamount” come from?
The word “tantamount” dates back to around 1600 and comes from Italian. Borrowed in the early 1600s, most likely from Italian tanto montare ("to amount to as much"), or from an Anglo-Norman phrase with the same meaning.
