antanaclasis

noun

ant·​anac·​la·​sis ˌan-tə-ˈna-klə-səs How to pronounce antanaclasis (audio)
: the repetition of a word within a phrase or sentence in which the second occurrence utilizes a different and sometimes contrary meaning from the first
… believes the "Word" … in John 1:1 represents the figure antanaclasis … and changes its meaning each time it is repeated in a manner similar to Ben Franklin's quip, "We must all hang together or most assuredly we shall all hang separately."—Ventura County Star, 6 Sept. 1997

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin (cited in Greek form in Quintilian), borrowed from Greek antanáklasis "reflection, echo," from ant- anti- entry 1 + anáklasis "bending back, reflection"

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antanaclasis was in 1656

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Rhymes for antanaclasis

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Browse Nearby Words

antambulacral
antanaclasis
Antananarivo
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Cite this Entry

“Antanaclasis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antanaclasis. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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