wordsmithery: contronyms

Contronyms, also referred to as autantonyms, are self-contradicting words or words with two meanings that could be viewed as opposite depending on their context.

Here is a list of contronymic terms that was borrowed from an excellent site called Futility Closet:

• BILL (“monetary note” and “statement of debt”)
• BUCKLE (“to secure” and “to collapse”)
• CLEAVE (“to separate” and “to bring together”)
• DOWNHILL (“progressively easier” and “progressively worse”)
• DUST (“to add dust” and “to remove dust”)
• FAST (“quick-moving” and “immobile”)
• GARNISH (“to add to” and “to take from”)
• OVERSIGHT (“attention” and “inattention”)
• SANCTION (“to permit” and “to restrict”)

Also check out Wordnik.com for more on contronyms. Can you think of any more?

The only one I can think of off the top of my head might be STATUESQUE, referring to both an immobile, fixed figure and a very muscular person capable of strength in movement. Kind of a stretch though.