What is the opposite of “crescendo”?

What is the antonym of “crescendo”?

The antonyms of crescendo are decrescendo and diminuendo. These words are used in music to describe the increase or decrease in volume or intensity of a sound.

Brief Definitions of the Antonym(s)

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

decrescendo

A gradual decrease in volume or intensity of a sound.

Example

The music ended with a soft decrescendo that left the audience in awe.

diminuendo

A gradual decrease in volume or intensity of a sound.

Example

The choir's diminuendo at the end of the song was so beautiful that it gave me goosebumps.

How are these antonyms different from each other?

• 1. Decrescendo and diminuendo are synonyms that both describe a gradual decrease in volume or intensity of a sound.
• 2. Crescendo is the opposite of decrescendo and diminuendo, as it describes a gradual increase in volume or intensity of a sound.

Good things to know

• 1. Music: Use these antonyms to describe changes in volume or intensity of a sound in music.
• 2. Language: Incorporate these antonyms in conversations to express changes in tone or mood.
• 3. Writing: Utilize these antonyms in narratives to create tension and suspense.

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Remember this!

The antonyms decrescendo and diminuendo are synonyms that describe a gradual decrease in volume or intensity of a sound, while crescendo is the opposite, describing a gradual increase. These words can be used in music, language, and writing to convey changes in tone, mood, and create tension and suspense.