OpenSynonym

fall

/fɔːl/

NOUN

1. Moving downward or dropping

The act of moving from a higher position to a lower one, usually under the influence of gravity.

1.1. A physical drop or descent

The movement of a person or object downward from a higher position, sometimes resulting in a loss of balance or impact.

Synonyms

  • drop
  • descent
  • tumble
  • plunge
  • spill
  • downfall

Antonyms

Examples

  • The fall from the ladder left him with a painful injury.
  • She suffered a bad fall while walking on the icy pavement.

Related Words

NOUN

2. A decrease or reduction

A decline in the amount, level, value, intensity, or strength of something.

2.1. Decline in amount or value

A reduction in quantities, prices, numbers, or measurable levels.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The company reported a fall in annual profits.
  • A sudden fall in temperature brought an early frost.

Related Words

  • downturn
  • cutback
  • lowering
  • depreciation

NOUN

3. The autumn season

The season between summer and winter, when temperatures become cooler and many trees lose their leaves.

3.1. Autumn and seasonal change

The time of year characterized by cooler weather, shorter days, and leaves changing color and falling from trees.

Synonyms

  • autumn

Examples

  • The leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold in the fall.
  • Many families enjoy visiting the countryside during the fall.

Related Words

  • harvest season
  • autumnal equinox
  • Indian summer

NOUN

4. A loss of power, status, or success

A decline from a previously successful, powerful, or respected position, often resulting in defeat or ruin.

4.1. Downfall and loss of status

The collapse or deterioration of someone's position, reputation, authority, or influence.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The scandal marked the fall of a once-respected political leader.
  • The empire's fall changed the course of regional history.

Related Words

VERB

5. Moving downward or descending

To move from a higher position to a lower one, often because of gravity.

5.1. Dropping or descending physically

Moving downward through the air or from a higher surface to a lower position.

Synonyms

  • drop
  • descend
  • tumble
  • plummet
  • plunge
  • sink
  • topple

Antonyms

Examples

  • The leaves fall gently from the trees.
  • The glass began to fall from the edge of the table.

Related Words

5.2. Rain, snow, or other precipitation

Coming down from the sky in the form of rain, snow, hail, or other precipitation.

Synonyms

Examples

  • Heavy rain is expected to fall throughout the night.
  • Snow began to fall shortly before sunset.

Related Words

  • drizzle
  • shower
  • downpour
  • sleet

VERB

6. Becoming lower or decreasing

To become smaller, weaker, lower, or less in amount, intensity, value, or quality.

6.1. Decreasing in amount or level

Becoming lower in quantity, price, temperature, volume, or intensity.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • Interest rates are expected to fall next year.
  • The temperature began to fall after sunset.

Related Words

6.2. Losing power or deteriorating

Becoming weaker, less successful, or lower in reputation, quality, or moral condition.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The kingdom began to fall into decline after years of conflict.
  • His reputation fell after the truth became public.

Related Words

VERB

7. Happening or coming to pass

To happen, occur, or take place, sometimes unexpectedly or by chance.

7.1. Events occurring

An event or situation happening or taking place at a particular time.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The meeting will fall on a Monday this year.
  • Whatever happens, the responsibility will fall on the organizers.

Related Words

  • arise
  • develop
  • ensue
  • eventuate

VERB

8. Being assigned or coming under a category

To be allocated to someone or something, or to be included within a particular group, responsibility, or classification.

8.1. Being classified or included

Belonging to a particular category, group, range, or area of responsibility.

Synonyms

  • belong
  • come under
  • be included
  • be classified

Examples

  • This issue falls under the department's responsibility.
  • The property falls within the protected historical district.

Related Words

8.2. Being allotted or inherited

Coming to someone through assignment, chance, fate, or inheritance.

Synonyms

  • devolve
  • accrue
  • be assigned
  • be inherited

Examples

  • The responsibility fell to her after the manager resigned.
  • The estate fell to his eldest daughter.

Related Words

  • inherit
  • descend
  • transfer
  • pass