Tantamount
hardNeutral toneTAN-tuh-mownt
adjective
Definition
equivalent in effect or value to something else
Memory hook
TANTAMOUNT: 'tanta' (so much) + 'mount' — it 'amounts to so much' the same thing; one act equals another.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“His silence was tantamount to an admission of guilt.”
“Refusing to vote, in that election, was tantamount to endorsing the incumbent.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“His silence was ______ to an admission of guilt.”
Show answer
tantamount
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Tantamount is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "equivalent" or "commensurate" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "unequal".
Related GRE Words
commensurate
corresponding in size, degree, or extent; proportionate
cogent
Clear, logical, and convincing
fallacious
Based on a mistaken belief or unsound argument
obviate
to prevent or make unnecessary
specious
Superficially plausible but actually wrong; misleading
tangential
only slightly relevant; diverging from the main point
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