antiphrasis

noun

an·​tiph·​ra·​sis an-ˈti-frə-səs 

plural antiphrases an-ˈti-frə-ˌsēz 

: the usually ironic or humorous use of words in senses opposite to the generally accepted meanings (as in "this giant of 3 feet 4 inches")

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin, from Greek, from anti- + phrasis diction — more at phrase

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for antiphrasis

• anabasis
• cholestasis
• haemostasis
• hemostasis
• hypostasis
• periphrasis
• atelectasis
• bronchiectasis
• homeostasis
• basis
• glacis
• mesas