The term 'SPRING'S OPPOSITE' can be answered with the four-letter word 'NEAP'. NEAP tides are a type of tidal pattern that occur twice a month when the difference between high and low tide is at its smallest. This occurs when the gravitational pull of the sun and moon are perpendicular to each other, resulting in weaker than usual tides. NEAP tides are the opposite of spring tides, which occur when the gravitational pull of the sun and moon are in line with each other, resulting in higher than usual tides.