Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun standby

2 senses of standby

Sense 1
standby -- (something that can be relied on when needed)
       => thing -- (an artifact; "how does this thing work?")

Sense 2
understudy, standby -- (an actor able to replace a regular performer when required)
       => actor, histrion, player, thespian, role player -- (a theatrical performer)

Antonyms of adj standby

1 sense of standby

Sense 1
standby -- (ready for emergency use; "a standby generator"; "a standby crew")

INDIRECT (VIA secondary) -> primary -- (of first rank or importance or value; direct and immediate rather than secondary; "primary goals"; "a primary effect"; "primary sources"; "a primary interest")

Similarity of adj standby

1 sense of standby

Sense 1
standby -- (ready for emergency use; "a standby generator"; "a standby crew")
       => secondary (vs. primary) -- (being of second rank or importance or value; not direct or immediate; "the stone will be hauled to a secondary crusher"; "a secondary source"; "a secondary issue"; "secondary streams")