uncle
6 synonyms and 5 antonyms for uncle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The brother of one's mother or father, or the husband of one's aunt.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use uncle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English uncle, via Old French oncle, from Latin avunculus ("maternal uncle," literally "little grandfather").
Full origin of uncle →Frequently asked questions
What does “uncle” mean?
The word “uncle” means the brother of one's mother or father, or the husband of one's aunt. In plain terms, your parent's brother — or, informally, any older man treated like family.
How do you pronounce “uncle”?
“Uncle” is pronounced UHNG-kl (/ˈʌŋ.kl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “uncle” in a sentence?
Here is “uncle” used in a sentence: “My uncle took me fishing every summer.”
What is another word for “uncle”?
Words with a similar meaning to “uncle” include eam, eme, nuncle, uncley, unclie and uncly.
What is the opposite of “uncle”?
The opposite of “uncle” — its antonyms — are aunt, niece, nephew, boy and aunty.
What part of speech is “uncle”?
Depending on how it is used, “uncle” can be a noun and an intj.
Where does the word “uncle” come from?
The word “uncle” comes from Latin. From Middle English uncle, via Old French oncle, from Latin avunculus ("maternal uncle," literally "little grandfather").
Is “uncle” a common word?
“Uncle” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What do you call your uncle's wife?
Your uncle's wife is your aunt, specifically an aunt by marriage rather than by blood. Just as an uncle can be your parent's brother or your aunt's husband, an aunt can be your parent's sister or your uncle's wife. Their children are your first cousins either way.
What is the difference between an uncle and a great-uncle?
An uncle is the brother of your mother or father, or your aunt's husband. A great-uncle, sometimes called a grand-uncle, is one generation further back: the brother of one of your grandparents. So your uncle is your parent's brother, while your great-uncle is your grandparent's brother.
What does 'say uncle' mean?
To 'say uncle' is an informal American expression meaning to give up, surrender, or admit defeat, often used during playful wrestling or teasing. When someone finally says uncle, they are conceding. The phrase has nothing to do with actual uncles; its exact origin is uncertain but likely early twentieth-century.
Is your uncle's child your cousin?
Yes. The children of your uncles and aunts are your first cousins, the people who share a set of grandparents with you. This holds whether the uncle is related to you by blood or by marriage. Your own children and your cousin's children would then be second cousins.