Cancer — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈkan(t)-sər/ can·cer

Meaning & Definition of Cancer

Cancer (noun)

  1. a northern zodiacal constellation between Gemini and Leo
  2. the fourth sign of the zodiac in astrology
  3. one born under the sign of Cancer

Cancer (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in disease, virus

    similar: contagion, disease, virus, bane, poison, toxic, toxin, venom, fungicide, germicide, herbicide, insecticide, microbicide, pesticide, toxicant
    opposite: antidote, antivenin, antivenom, mithridate, cure, cure-all, elixir, panacea

  2. as in lymphoma, melanoma

    similar: carcinoma, lymphoma, malignancy, melanoma, polyp, outgrowth, cyst, tubercle, wart, excrescence, excrescency, growth, lump, neoplasm, tumor

  3. as in decay, rot

    similar: canker, decay, rot, squalor, devilry, fiendishness, corruption, debauchery, degeneracy, depravity, indecency, malefaction, perversion, pervertedness, scurrility, scurrilousness, atrociousness, atrocity, badness, balefulness, darkness, depravedness, devilishness, diabolism, enormity, evilness, heinousness, iniquitousness, satanism, sinfulness, vileness, wickedness, abomination, anathema, taboo, bad, evil, evildoing, ill, immorality, iniquity, sin, villainy, wrong
    opposite: good, morality, right, virtue, decency, goodness, honesty, integrity, probity, rectitude, uprightness, righteousness, virtuousness

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Cancer

The most common words with a similar meaning to Cancer:

contagion, disease, virus, bane, poison, toxic, toxin, venom, fungicide, germicide, herbicide, insecticide, microbicide, pesticide, toxicant, carcinoma, lymphoma, malignancy, melanoma, polyp, outgrowth, cyst, tubercle, wart, excrescence, excrescency, growth, lump, neoplasm, tumor, canker, decay, rot, squalor, devilry, fiendishness, corruption, debauchery, degeneracy, depravity

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Cancer

Words with the opposite meaning of Cancer:

antidote, antivenin, antivenom, mithridate, cure, cure-all, elixir, panacea, good, morality, right, virtue, decency, goodness, honesty, integrity, probity, rectitude, uprightness, righteousness, virtuousness

Word Forms of Cancer

Derived words: cancerous (adjective), cancerously (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Cancer

Middle English, from Latin (genitive Cancri), literally, crab; akin to Greek karkinos crab, cancer

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Cancer

Words & Phrases Containing Cancer

cancer stick, small-cell lung cancer, Tropic of Cancer

Frequently Asked Questions about Cancer

What does "Cancer" mean?

"Cancer" means a northern zodiacal constellation between Gemini and Leo. As a noun, it is defined as: a northern zodiacal constellation between Gemini and Leo. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Cancer"?

Other words for "Cancer" include contagion, disease, virus, bane, poison, toxic, toxin and venom. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Cancer" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Cancer"?

There are 74 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Cancer". Common alternatives include contagion, disease, virus, bane, poison, toxic, toxin, venom, fungicide and germicide.

What is the opposite of "Cancer"?

Antonyms of "Cancer" include antidote, antivenin, antivenom, mithridate, cure, cure-all, elixir and panacea.

Is "Cancer" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Cancer" is a noun.

Is "Cancer" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Cancer" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Cancer"?

"Cancer" is pronounced /ˈkan(t)-sər/ and divided into syllables as can·cer.

What is the origin of the word "Cancer"?

"Cancer" comes from Middle English, from Latin (genitive Cancri), literally, crab; akin to Greek karkinos crab, cancer. First known use: 14th century.