Find Antonyms
petrify Antonyms
Opposite of petrify
Because the opposite of petrify shifts with each meaning, the 12 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
• verb (Context 1)
To make someone so frightened or shocked that they are unable to move or think.
Usage Example
"The sudden roar of the approaching avalanche seemed to reassure the hikers in their tracks."
Strongest
reassure
Strong
embolden
comfort
calm
encourage
• verb (Context 2)
To change organic matter into a stony substance by encrusting or replacing its original material with minerals over a long period.
Usage Example
"Over millions of years, mineral-rich groundwater helped soften the fallen ancient trees in the desert."
Strong
soften
liquefy
dissolve
• verb (Context 3)
To become or cause to become rigid, stagnant, and unable to change or develop (especially of ideas, traditions, or institutions).
Usage Example
"Without open debate and fresh perspectives, even the most innovative academic disciplines can gradually evolve."
Strong
evolve
flourish
adapt
innovate
Similar words to petrify
Words similar to petrify shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:
terrify
fossilize
stagnate
paralyze
ossify
mineralize
horrify
calcify
• Nearby Words
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Petrify. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/petrify