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vest

7 synonyms and 1 antonym for vest, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A sleeveless piece of clothing worn over a shirt, often as part of a suit (called a "waistcoat" in British English).

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A sleeveless piece of clothing worn over a shirt, often as part of a suit (called a "waistcoat" in British English).

“He wore a three-piece suit with a matching vest.”

2. verb

To officially give someone a right or power, or to have that right or power become legally theirs.

“Full ownership of the shares vests after four years with the company.”

Opposites

How to use vest

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

stock options vest a life vest a bulletproof vest

Etymology

From French veste, from Latin vestis, "garment, clothing", ultimately from a root meaning "to be dressed" — related to the everyday word "wear".

Full origin of vest →

Frequently asked questions

What does “vest” mean?
The word “vest” means a sleeveless piece of clothing worn over a shirt, often as part of a suit (called a "waistcoat" in British English). In plain terms, a sleeveless piece of clothing; in a legal or financial sense, to formally grant or confirm a right.
How do you pronounce “vest”?
“Vest” is pronounced vehst (/vɛst/ in IPA).
How do you use “vest” in a sentence?
Here is “vest” used in a sentence: “He wore a three-piece suit with a matching vest.”
What part of speech is “vest”?
Depending on how it is used, “vest” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “vest” come from?
The word “vest” comes from Latin. From French veste, from Latin vestis, "garment, clothing", ultimately from a root meaning "to be dressed" — related to the everyday word "wear".
Is “vest” a common word?
“Vest” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “vest” have?
“Vest” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sleeveless piece of clothing worn over a shirt, often as part of a suit (called a "waistcoat" in British English).
What is the difference between a vest in American English and British English?
In American English, a vest is a sleeveless piece of clothing worn over a shirt, often as part of a suit, and is called a 'waistcoat' in British English. In British English, 'vest' instead usually refers to a sleeveless undergarment worn beneath a shirt, which Americans would typically call an 'undershirt.'
What does it mean for rights or power to vest in someone?
When rights or power vest in someone, it means those rights or that power officially and legally become theirs, often after a set condition or period of time has been met, such as an employee's pension benefits vesting after several years of service.
What is a bulletproof vest?
A bulletproof vest is a protective sleeveless garment, typically worn by police officers or soldiers, designed to be worn over other clothing to protect the torso from bullets or other projectiles.

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Synonyms and antonyms from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA.