Cerates are a type of ointment or salve used for medicinal purposes. The antonyms for this word would be substances that have the opposite effect, such as irritants or detergents. For example, instead of using a cerate to soothe and heal a skin condition, one might use a soap or detergent to clean and dry out the area. Similarly, instead of applying a cerate to reduce inflammation or pain, one might use a stimulant or heating pad to increase circulation and speed up healing. Antonyms for cerates may vary depending on the specific use case, but generally involve substances that have the opposite effect on the body or skin.