C2adjectiveformallawpolitics
US/ˈtæn.tə.maʊnt/
UK/ˈtæn.tə.maʊnt/
having the same effect or being almost as bad as something else
In context
Journalists said the new rules were tantamount to censorship.
Refusing to answer the question was tantamount to admitting guilt.
Cutting the hospital's budget again would be tantamount to closing it.
Words that go with tantamount
adjective + preposition
- tantamount toSuch a high fine is tantamount to a ban.
- tantamount to censorshipBlocking the website was tantamount to censorship.
- tantamount to an admissionHis resignation was tantamount to an admission of failure.
- tantamount to theftWorkers called the pension cuts tantamount to theft.
adverb + adjective
- virtually tantamountThe order was virtually tantamount to a declaration of war.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
This is tantamount with lying.Correct: This is tantamount to lying.