Either is a determiner, pronoun, conjunction, or adverb, so it has no single set of dictionary antonyms. Useful contrasts depend on whether you mean one of two, both, neither, all, or an inclusive rather than exclusive choice.
Which Contrast to “Either” Fits Best?
These 18 options for Either are grouped by meaning so you can match the wording to the sentence instead of treating every item as interchangeable.
- Both
- Both of them
- The pair
- Together
- Jointly
- Combined
- As a pair
- Neither
- Neither one
- Neither option
- None of the two
- All
- Every
- Every one
- The whole set
- Any
- One or more
- Either or both
Both
Both fits the both rather than one contrast to Either. Use it when the contrast includes the two alternatives together rather than one or the other.
Example: The writer chose “Both” because two options or people are included together.
Both of them
Both of them fits the both rather than one contrast to Either. Use it when the contrast includes the two alternatives together rather than one or the other.
Example: In this context, “Both of them” fits because two options or people are included together.
The pair
The pair fits the both rather than one contrast to Either. Use it when the contrast includes the two alternatives together rather than one or the other.
Example: The editor used “The pair” for a sentence where two options or people are included together.
Together
Together fits the both rather than one contrast to Either. Use it when the contrast includes the two alternatives together rather than one or the other.
Example: Here, “Together” works naturally because two options or people are included together.
Jointly
Jointly fits the both rather than one contrast to Either. Use it when the contrast includes the two alternatives together rather than one or the other.
Example: A suitable choice is “Jointly” when two options or people are included together.
Combined
Combined fits the both rather than one contrast to Either. Use it when the contrast includes the two alternatives together rather than one or the other.
Example: The writer chose “Combined” because two options or people are included together.
As a pair
As a pair fits the both rather than one contrast to Either. Use it when the contrast includes the two alternatives together rather than one or the other.
Example: In this context, “As a pair” fits because two options or people are included together.
Neither
Neither fits the neither rather than one contrast to Either. Use it when the contrast excludes both alternatives.
Example: The editor used “Neither” for a sentence where both options are rejected or absent.
Neither one
Neither one fits the neither rather than one contrast to Either. Use it when the contrast excludes both alternatives.
Example: Here, “Neither one” works naturally because both options are rejected or absent.
Neither option
Neither option fits the neither rather than one contrast to Either. Use it when the contrast excludes both alternatives.
Example: A suitable choice is “Neither option” when both options are rejected or absent.
None of the two
None of the two fits the neither rather than one contrast to Either. Use it when the contrast excludes both alternatives.
Example: The writer chose “None of the two” because both options are rejected or absent.
All
All fits the all or every contrast to Either. Use it when the contrast expands beyond a choice between two.
Example: In this context, “All” fits because the statement covers the complete group.
Every
Every fits the all or every contrast to Either. Use it when the contrast expands beyond a choice between two.
Example: The editor used “Every” for a sentence where the statement covers the complete group.
Every one
Every one fits the all or every contrast to Either. Use it when the contrast expands beyond a choice between two.
Example: Here, “Every one” works naturally because the statement covers the complete group.
The whole set
The whole set fits the all or every contrast to Either. Use it when the contrast expands beyond a choice between two.
Example: A suitable choice is “The whole set” when the statement covers the complete group.
Any
Any fits the inclusive choice contrast to Either. Use it when the wording allows more than one option instead of forcing one of two.
Example: The writer chose “Any” because more than one acceptable option may be selected.
One or more
One or more fits the inclusive choice contrast to Either. Use it when the wording allows more than one option instead of forcing one of two.
Example: In this context, “One or more” fits because more than one acceptable option may be selected.
Either or both
Either or both fits the inclusive choice contrast to Either. Use it when the wording allows more than one option instead of forcing one of two.
Example: The editor used “Either or both” for a sentence where more than one acceptable option may be selected.
Choosing the Right Contrast to “Either”
Use both when the intended contrast is inclusion of the two alternatives, and neither when both are excluded. All and every apply to larger sets, while “either or both” explicitly removes the exclusive-choice implication.