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tartar Synonyms
Another word for tartar
Choosing another word for tartar depends on context, so the synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
• noun (Context 1)
A hard, calcified yellowish or brownish deposit that forms on the teeth when dental plaque mineralizes and hardens over time.
Usage Example
"Regular brushing and flossing help prevent plaque from hardening into stubborn calculus along the gumline."
Strongest
calculus
• noun (Context 2)
A reddish or whitish crystalline crust (chiefly potassium bitartrate) deposited on the inside of casks during the fermentation of wine, used to make cream of tartar.
Usage Example
"During the aging process, layers of crude argol gradually crystallized along the oak walls of the wine barrels."
Strongest
argol
• noun (Context 3)
A fierce, violent, irritable, or intractable person who proves unexpectedly difficult to deal with (often capitalized).
Usage Example
"The new manager turned out to be a real termagant whenever deadlines were missed."
Strong
termagant
shrew
virago
Weak
dragon
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Tartar. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/tartar