What does "antic" mean?
A grotesque representation of a figure; a gargoyle.
Antic
/ˈæn.tɪk/ adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A grotesque representation of a figure; a gargoyle.
- Grammar: antic is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: caper, prank, absurd performance, animated.
- Useful contrasts: conventional, formality, grave.
- Usage evidence: My men like Satyres grazing on the lawnes, Shall with their Goate feete daunce an antick hay,
How to use "antic"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "antic" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "antic" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "antic" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "antic" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "antic" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "caper" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "antic", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A grotesque representation of a figure; a gargoyle. obsolete
- 2 A pose, often exaggerated, in anticipation of an action; for example, a brief squat before jumping
- 3 a ludicrous or grotesque act done for fun and amusement wordnet
- 4 A caricature.
- 5 A ludicrous gesture or act; ridiculous behaviour; caper. in-plural, often
"I'm fed up with your constant antics in class. Please behave yourself!"
Show 1 more definition
- 6 A grotesque performer or clown, buffoon.
"The Grave-maker, like the professional fools and Falstaff, and like Hamlet himself, is an antic, a grotesque, one who demonstrates to men how foolish and"
Verb
- 1 To perform antics, to caper. intransitive
"Jerry no more than cocked a contemptuous quizzical eye at the mainsail anticking above him. He knew already the empty windiness of its threats, but he was careful of the mainsheet blocks, and walked around the traveller instead of over it."
- 2 act as or like a clown wordnet
- 3 To make a fool of, to cause to look ridiculous. obsolete
"Gentle lords, let's part; / You see we have burnt our cheeks: strong Enobarb / Is weaker than the wine; and mine own tongue / Splits what it speaks: the wild disguise hath almost / Antick'd us all."
- 4 To perform (an action) as an antic; to mimic ridiculously. rare, transitive
"She unfastened her dress, her arms arched thin and high, her shadow anticking her movements."
Adjective
- 1 Playful, funny, absurd.
"My men like Satyres grazing on the lawnes, Shall with their Goate feete daunce an antick hay,"
- 2 Grotesque, incongruous.
"The amusement park environment of seaside resorts such as Venice and the antic eclecticism of Greene & Greene's pre-Craftsman work all preceded the establishment of the movie colony in Hollywood."
- 3 Grotesque, bizarre archaic
"Fetch me my Rapier Boy, what dares the ſlaue / Come hither, couer'd with an antique face, / To fleere and ſcorne at our Solemnitie?"
- 4 Obsolete form of antique. alt-of, obsolete
Adjective
- 1 ludicrously odd wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"My men like Satyres grazing on the lawnes, Shall with their Goate feete daunce an antick hay,"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "antic"?
Common synonyms include: caper, prank, absurd performance, animated, anticked, artifice.
How do you use "antic" in a sentence?
My men like Satyres grazing on the lawnes, Shall with their Goate feete daunce an antick hay,
How do you pronounce "antic"?
Pronounced /ˈæn.tɪk/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Probably from Italian antico (“ancient”), used to describe ancient wall paintings from classical times, from Latin antiquus (“venerable”). See also Italian grottesco (“grotesque”). Doublet of antique.
Etymology 2
From anticipation.