JUNK Synonyms: 137 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'junk' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of junk are cast , discard , scrap , shed , and slough . While all these words mean "to get rid of," scrap and junk imply throwing away or breaking up as worthless in existent form. // scrap all the old ways // would junk our educational system

Q: When is it sensible to use 'cast' instead of 'junk'?

The meanings of cast and junk largely overlap; however, cast , especially when used with off, away , or out , implies a forceful rejection or repudiation. // cast off her friends

Q: Where would 'discard' be a reasonable alternative to 'junk'?

Although the words discard and junk have much in common, discard implies the letting go or throwing away of something that has become useless or superfluous though often not intrinsically valueless. // discard old clothes

Q: How do 'shed' and 'slough' relate to one another, in the sense of 'junk'?

Shed and slough imply a throwing off of something both useless and encumbering and often suggest a consequent renewal of vitality or luster. // shed a bad habit // finally sloughed off the depression

junk 1 of 2

noun

ˈjəŋk

Definition of junk next

as in cheese

that which is of low quality or worth couldn't believe that such junk was chosen to be read for the book club my car is junk—it spends more time in the shop than on the road

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in garbage

discarded or useless material junk on the side of the road waiting for the trash collection

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

junk

2 of 2

verb

as in to dump

to get rid of as useless or unwanted we'll have to junk this old car

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word junk different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of junk are cast, discard, scrap, shed, and slough. While all these words mean "to get rid of," scrap and junk imply throwing away or breaking up as worthless in existent form.

scrap all the old ways

would junk our educational system

When is it sensible to use cast instead of junk?

The meanings of cast and junk largely overlap; however, cast, especially when used with off, away, or out, implies a forceful rejection or repudiation.

cast off her friends

Where would discard be a reasonable alternative to junk?

Although the words discard and junk have much in common, discard implies the letting go or throwing away of something that has become useless or superfluous though often not intrinsically valueless.

discard old clothes

How do shed and slough relate to one another, in the sense of junk?

Shed and slough imply a throwing off of something both useless and encumbering and often suggest a consequent renewal of vitality or luster.

shed a bad habit

finally sloughed off the depression

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of junk

Noun

Given that this latest junk fees rule was passed on a bipartisan basis, that may improve its chances of staying on the books during the Trump administration. —

Samantha Delouya, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024 The Federal Trade Commission banned surprise junk fees for ticketing platforms, such as vacation rental sites and hotel fees. —

Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2024

Verb

Many of Trump’s advisers favored and sought to execute a grand strategy that would respond to these challenges without junking the United States’ larger postwar legacy. —

Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 20 Jan. 2021 Why exactly has Harris junked her socialist policies from four years ago? —

Matthew Continetti, National Review, 14 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for junk

Recent Examples of Synonyms for junk

Noun

Raised partly in the Dominican Republic, Velez’s recipes for treats like tres leches cake and guava and cheese pastelitos are nods to the country’s traditional desserts.

Tori Latham, Robb Report, 21 Dec. 2024
The staff brought over the bread trolley and then plated a beautiful bread basket with samples of each variety, including mini baguettes, bacon baguettes, mini croissants, spinach bread, soft brioche, apricot walnut bread, focaccia, Comté cheese bread and sourdough.

Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024