Synonyms for

Auction

Verb / ˈɑ:kʃʌn / / ˈɔ:kʃʌn / Another word for auction — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

A public sale in which goods or property are sold to the highest bidder.

Synonyms & similar words

auctionoff auctioneer vendue auctionbridge auctionsale sale sell-off vendue hammer raffle lottery drawing competition contest bidding auctioning bid sell

Synonyms by register

Formal

public sale vendue outcry

Informal

sale bid-off

Literary

public outcry sale by bidding

Antonyms

barter private sale direct sale fixed price negotiation

Common collocations

  • hold an auction
  • auction house
  • online auction
  • live auction
  • auctioneer sells
  • auction price
  • auction block
  • auctioneer's hammer

Word family

noun auction
verb auction
adjective auctionable

Usage note

An auction is a public sale where goods are sold to the highest bidder. It is often used in formal contexts, but 'auction' can also be used informally.

Example sentences

  1. I won the auction for the antique vase.
  2. The auctioneer started the bidding at $10.
  3. The auction had a variety of items including furniture and artwork.
  4. The auction was held outside in the park.
  5. The auction lasted for two hours and had over 100 items for sale.

Quotes

  • The auction is a process where you sell things to the highest bidder. - Adam Davidson
  • The auctioneer had a sing-song voice that made everything he said sound more interesting. - Donna Tartt
  • I love auctions. It's like a casino, but with no house advantage. - Penn Jillette

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