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tantamount

adjective
tan·​ta·​mount | \ ˈtan-tə-ˌmau̇nt How to pronounce tantamount (audio) \

Definition of tantamount

: equivalent in value, significance, or effect a relationship tantamount to marriage
Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about tantamount

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Did You Know?

Tantamount comes from the Anglo-French phrase tant amunter, meaning "to amount to as much." This phrase comes from the Old French tant, meaning "so much" or "as much," and amounter, meaning "to ascend" or "to add up to." When tantamount first entered English, it was used similarly to the Anglo-French phrase, as a verb meaning "to be equivalent." "His not denying tant-amounteth to the affirming of the matter," wrote clergyman Thomas Fuller in 1659, for example. There was also a noun tantamount in the 17th century, but the adjective is the only commonly used form of the term nowadays.

Examples of tantamount in a Sentence

His statement was tantamount to an admission of guilt. They see any criticism of the President as tantamount to treason.

Recent Examples on the Web

 In heavily Democratic Baltimore, winning the party’s primary is tantamount to election. — Tim Prudente, baltimoresun.com, "Marilyn Mosby wins re-election in three-way race for Baltimore state's attorney," 26 June 2018 Observers say various internal polls have shown the two men as front-runners in the June 26 Democratic primary race — which, in largely blue Montgomery, is often tantamount to victory in November. — Jennifer Barrios, Washington Post, "Waiting for Leggett: Longtime leader has not endorsed in county executive’s race," 13 June 2018 What happened next is arguably tantamount to treason. — Will Bunch, Philly.com, "How the Trump family sold U.S. foreign policy to the highest bidder | Will Bunch," 20 May 2018 After all, swapping Shakespeare for Austen is hardly tantamount to artistic slumming. — Andrea Simakis, cleveland.com, "Great Lakes Theater's 2018-19 season to showcase powerful women, from 'Pride and Prejudice' to 'Mama Mia!' (preview)," 4 Feb. 2018 For me, that is tantamount to requiring a pool being filled with water. — Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, "Letter: Contra Costa’s pool regulations beyond common sense," 7 Aug. 2019 The Democratic primary is June 2, 2020, and is tantamount to the general election in a deep blue city. — Fenit Nirappil, Washington Post, "D.C. lawmaker Brandon Todd ramps up reelection campaign, draws first challenger," 1 Aug. 2019 The Sun reports that Greenwood is currently earning £800-per-week, a vast amount for a teenager in any other walk of life, but tantamount to pocket change for some of new teammates. — SI.com, "Man Utd Set to Hand 17-Year-Old Starlet Mason Greenwood Bumper New Contract," 26 July 2019 My patience for folks who think a glittery parade is tantamount to hate speech can't come to the phone right now. — Emma Grey Ellis, WIRED, "Stop Meme-ing Taylor Swift," 19 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tantamount.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of tantamount

1641, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for tantamount

obsolete tantamount, noun, equivalent, from Anglo-French tant amunter to amount to as much

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More Definitions for tantamount

tantamount

adjective
How to pronounce tantamount (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of tantamount

: equal to something in value, meaning, or effect

See the full definition for tantamount in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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