Synonyms for

Ants

Verb / ænts / Another word for ants — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Ants are small six-legged insects that typically live in large colonies.

Synonyms & similar words

ant pismire emmet insects bugs formicaries myrmecoids pismires emmet formicans antsy driven itchy restive fidgety jumpy nervous uneasy agitated restless

Synonyms by register

Formal

formicid insect arthropod

Informal

critter bug little guy

Literary

myrmidon tiny warrior

Antonyms

large animals mammals vertebrates predators humans giants

Common collocations

  • ants in my pants
  • army ants
  • fire ants
  • ants marching
  • ants in the kitchen
  • ants in the garden
  • ants crawling

Word family

noun ant
adjective ant-like

Usage note

The word 'ants' is the plural of 'ant'. It is commonly used to refer to the small, social insects. The idiom 'ants in one's pants' means to be restless or fidgety.

Example sentences

  1. The ants crawled up the tree trunk and onto the branches.
  2. The ant colony worked together to gather food for the winter.
  3. The children watched in amazement as the ants carried a piece of bread that was larger than themselves.
  4. Don't step on the ants or you'll crush them!
  5. The ant queen laid hundreds of eggs each day.

Quotes

  • 'The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer.' - Proverbs 30:25
  • 'I once had a rose named after me and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalog: 'No good in a bed, but fine up against a wall.'' - Eleanor Roosevelt
  • 'If ants are such busy workers, how come they find time to go to all the picnics?' - Marie Dressler

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