conversely

adverb

con·​verse·​ly kən-ˈvərs-lē 

ˈkän-ˌvərs-

: in a contrasting or opposite way

—used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous statement or presents a differing interpretation or possibility

The jurors' decision not to ask to rehear the experts' testimony could be an indication that they accepted their opinions at face value or, conversely, that they were unimpressed.

—Manuel Roig-Franzia

If this active gene is a mutation that would otherwise have been recessive, it can lead to disease. Conversely, if the silenced gene is harmful in some way, imprinting can be beneficial.

—Michael Reilly

Synonyms

• again
• contrarily
• contrariwise

Examples of conversely in a Sentence

she cannot stand sugary food; conversely, her husband is fond of sweets

Recent Examples on the Web

And as the Premier League title beckons at the end of year one in England, there’s no shaking the feeling that, conversely, Slot’s second season at Anfield could be more taxing than his first. —Phil Hay, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025

When broken out by age group, 84% of 55+ listened to AM/FM radio, conversely, 82% of adults 18-34 listened to online audio. —Brad Adgate, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025

Without that expertise, investigators run the risk of violating a suspect’s civil rights or, conversely, overlooking threats because they are assumed to be constitutionally protected, said a veteran FBI analyst who has worked on Jan. 6 cases. —Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 10 Feb. 2025

But conversely, up north across the 49th parallel, Trump’s actions have created some solidarity at a time when Trudeau’s Liberal Party has been on the rocks, and it’s felt like only a matter of time before the Conservative Party, led by a quasi-Trumpian Pierre Polievre, would mount a victory. —Talib Visram, TIME, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1730, in the meaning defined above