The vernal equinox, which marks the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, is a time of renewal and growth. But what are the antonyms of this term? The opposite of vernal is autumnal, which refers to the season of fall. Instead of the equinox, which is a time of equal day and night, the opposite would be either the solstice, which marks the shortest or longest day of the year, or simply a regular day or night. While the vernal equinox brings warmth, light, and new beginnings, its antonyms represent the opposite, with darkness, cold, and endings.