1. Plural of antiphony; compositions or passages sung or recited alternately by two groups or choirs.
Usage: music; liturgical
2. Plural of antiphony; a responsive or contrasting relationship between two things, such as sounds, ideas, or artistic elements.
Usage: literary; general

Examples

• The cathedral choir performed several antiphonies during the Easter service.
• Medieval antiphonies were designed to be sung by opposing sides of the choir.
• The composer created beautiful antiphonies between the strings and woodwinds.
• Gregorian antiphonies remain central to Catholic liturgical music.
• The antiphonies in the piece created a sense of dialogue between different instrumental groups.
• Early church antiphonies helped structure the daily prayer services.