Find the synonyms or antonyms of a word



Antonyms for grindstone


Grammar : Noun
Spell : grahynd-stohn
Phonetic Transcription : ˈgraɪndˌstoʊn



Definition of grindstone

Origin :
  • early 13c. "millstone," from grind (v.) in sense of "sharpen" + stone (n.); meaning "revolving stone disc used for sharpening, etc." is from c.1400. Phrase nose to the grindstone in use by 1530s; originally to get control of another and treat him harshly:
  • This Text holdeth their noses so hard to the grindstone, that it clean disfigureth their Faces. [John Frith, "Mirror to know Thyself," 1532]
  • The main modern (reflective) sense of "work hard" is from 1828.
  • As in occupation : noun profession, business
  • As in task : noun job or chore, often assigned
  • As in work : noun labor, chore
Example sentences :
  • Their weapons and tools are highly polished, and have evidently been ground on a grindstone.
  • Extract from : « English Villages » by P. H. Ditchfield
  • The grindstone was soon in motion; the sparks were flying off in showers.
  • Extract from : « Barnaby Rudge » by Charles Dickens
  • Sparks fly from a grindstone when you are sharpening a knife.
  • Extract from : « Common Science » by Carleton W. Washburne
  • Surface impurity can of course be got rid of by means of a grindstone.
  • Extract from : « On Laboratory Arts » by Richard Threlfall
  • The pottery when cold may be dressed on a grindstone if necessary.
  • Extract from : « On Laboratory Arts » by Richard Threlfall
  • It was more like a superior sort of traveling-tinker's grindstone than anything else.
  • Extract from : « The Lock And Key Library » by Various
  • Oil is used on oilstones for the same purpose as water on a grindstone.
  • Extract from : « Handwork in Wood » by William Noyes
  • The grindstone for woodworking tools is best when rather fine and soft.
  • Extract from : « Handwork in Wood » by William Noyes
  • But a grindstone should never stand in water or it would rot.
  • Extract from : « Handwork in Wood » by William Noyes
  • And he pointed to a grindstone that was turning and doing its work exactly like the others.
  • Extract from : « Put Yourself in His Place » by Charles Reade

Synonyms for grindstone

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019