The phrase "drives home" typically implies emphasis, conviction, or realization. Its antonyms include words that suggest uncertainty, ambiguity, hesitation, or disinterest. Some possible antonyms for "drives home" are: muddles, confuses, detracts, distracts, veers, wanders, equivocates, dilutes, weakens, dilatories, or indifference. While "drives home" signifies a strong and clear point, its antonyms suggest the opposite. They may indicate doubt, confusion or lack of interest that characterize suboptimal communication. Selecting the right antonym or synonym to "drives home" may depend on the context or purpose of the message, and the audience for which it is intended.