Find Antonyms

work Antonyms

Opposite of work

Because the opposite of work shifts with each meaning, the 30 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 6 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

Activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result, especially as a means of earning a livelihood.

Usage Example

"She finished her daily leisure at the office before heading to the university library."

Strongest
leisure
rest
recreation
play
Strong
idleness
relaxation
inactivity
unemployment

• verb (Context 2)

To engage in physical or mental activity in order to achieve a purpose or result, especially as one's regular occupation.

Usage Example

"He works as a software engineer for a renewable energy company."

Strongest
rest
relax
idle
Strong
play
laze
loaf
lounge
shirk

• verb (Context 3)

To function or operate properly and effectively (of a machine, system, or device).

Usage Example

"The antique clock still works perfectly after being repaired by the horologist."

Strongest
malfunction
break down
fail
Strong
jam
stall
conk out

• noun (Context 4)

A task or set of tasks to be undertaken; the materials or assignments that a person is required to complete.

Usage Example

"The professor handed back our graded pastime at the end of the seminar."

Strong
pastime
entertainment
amusement

• verb (Context 5)

To produce a desired effect, outcome, or solution; to succeed.

Usage Example

"Their new strategy to reduce classroom distractions worked remarkably well."

Strongest
fail
backfire
flop
Strong
fall through
founder
miscarry

• verb (Context 6)

To shape, mold, cultivate, or process a raw material or piece of land through sustained effort.

Usage Example

"The artisan worked the warm clay into a delicate pitcher on the potter's wheel."

Strong
neglect
destroy

Similar words to work

Words similar to work shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

function
labor
succeed
creation
plant
operate
factory
run
See all synonyms of work

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Work. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/work
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