ontopreposition
also on to uk/ˈɒn.tu/us/ˈɑːn.tu/onto preposition (MOVEMENT)
B1 used to show movement into or on a particular place:
More examples
- There was a sudden flare when she threw the petrol onto the fire.
- Leaves fluttered down onto the path.
- The president has only held onto power because the opposition is so fragmented.
- The waves frothed as they crashed onto the beach.
- I've managed to offload some of our old furniture onto a friend who's just bought a house.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
On or off
- astride
- atop
- on
- on board idiom
- thereon
- thereupon
- upon
onto preposition (CHANGING SUBJECT)
B2 used about changing to, or starting to talk about, a different subject:
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Changing
- a new broom sweeps clean idiom
- about-turn
- alter
- alternate
- alternation
- bastardize
- convert
- fluid
- move on
- move the goalposts idiom
- move with the times idiom
- new
- new broom
- reverse
- swing
- transfigure
- transform
- transitional
- transmogrify
- transmute
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onto preposition (HOLDING)
to keep holding something:
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Having in your hands
- ahold
- arm
- clasp
- clench
- cling
- cradle
- cup
- dandle
- enfold
- grasp
- hand
- hand in hand idiom
- handle
- hang
- hang on
- hang/hold on like grim death idiom
- hold
- hold on
- pinion
- seize
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onto preposition (KNOWING)
knowing about someone or something that can be useful to you:
knowing about something bad someone has done:
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Aware
- abreast
- acquainted
- alive
- alive to sth idiom
- au fait
- awake
- awakening
- be no stranger to sth idiom
- conscious
- familiar
- genned up
- have/keep your finger on the pulse idiom
- informed
- insider
- ivory tower
- preliterate
- privy
- put sb in the picture idiom
- repository
- sad
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onto preposition (ASKING)
UK If you are onto someone, you talk to that person, especially to ask them to do something, or to complain to them:
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Lecturing & addressing
- ad lib
- address
- angle
- extemporize
- filibuster
- floor
- hold
- hold forth
- jawbone
- lead 1
- lead off
- lecture
- maiden speech
- oration
- oratory
- sermonize
- speaking
- speechify
- talk
- talk at sb
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onto preposition (ADDING)
used about someone or something that is added to or joins a particular thing:
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Things added or attached to other things
- accessory
- add-on
- added value
- addition
- adjunct
- admixture
- appurtenance
- attachment
- frill
- frippery
- hereto
- trimming
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics: