General terms:
* Antonyms: This is the most common and general term for words with opposite meanings.
* Contraries: This term is similar to "antonyms" but sometimes implies a more direct and absolute opposition.
* Reverse: This term suggests a complete reversal of the original meaning.
* Inverses: This term suggests a reciprocal relationship, where one term implies the other's absence.
More specific terms:
* Complementary pairs: This term applies to pairs of opposites that together encompass the entire range of possibilities. For example, "hot" and "cold" are complementary pairs because they cover the entire spectrum of temperature.
* Gradable antonyms: These are opposites that can exist on a scale, such as "big" and "small."
* Non-gradable antonyms: These are opposites that are absolute and cannot be graded, such as "dead" and "alive."
Other terms:
* Opposites: While not as specific as "antonyms," it is commonly used to refer to words with opposite meanings.
* Contrasts: This term is more general and can refer to any kind of difference between words or concepts, not just opposites.
The specific term you use will depend on the context and the nuance you want to convey.