tantamount
Say it: TAN-tuh-mownt /ˈtæntəmaʊnt/ · adjective
What “tantamount” means
Having the same effect as something else, usually something bad.
More precisely: Equivalent in seriousness or effect to something worse.
Example: “Ignoring the safety warning was tantamount to negligence.”
When to use it
In serious, formal criticism, when an action has practically the same effect as a worse action or outcome.
Similar words
equivalent, equal, as good as
Quick check
Someone leaves the garden gate wide open after promising to keep the dog inside. Their action is effectively letting it escape. It's…
incidental or tantamount?
Show the answer
tantamount
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