Synonyms of antithetical

antithetical

adjective

ˌan-tə-ˈthe-ti-kəl 

as in contradictory

being as different as possible

spiritual concerns and ideals that are antithetical to the materialism embraced by modern society

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contradictory
• contrary
• opposite
• unfavorable
• diametrical
• diametric
• polar
• hostile
• negative
• antipodal
• antagonistic
• adverse
• divergent
• antipodean
• unlike
• counter
• dissimilar
• cross
• disparate
• reverse
• antipathetic
• inverse
• alien
• converse
• unalike
• obverse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• similar
• analogous
• like
• same
• noncontradictory
• identical
• equivalent
• alike
• synonymous

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective antithetical differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antithetical are contradictory, contrary, and opposite. While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

When can contradictory be used instead of antithetical?

While in some cases nearly identical to antithetical, contradictory applies to two things that completely negate each other so that if one is true or valid the other must be untrue or invalid.

made contradictory predictions about whether the market would rise or fall

When might contrary be a better fit than antithetical?

While the synonyms contrary and antithetical are close in meaning, contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition.

contrary assessments of the war situation

In what contexts can opposite take the place of antithetical?

The meanings of opposite and antithetical largely overlap; however, opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict.

opposite views on foreign aid

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of antithetical

But what isn't normal is having massive firings and layoffs that are tanking the economy of the nation's capital, which will create a situation that is antithetical to what the president and I agree on. —Majd Al-Waheidi, NPR, 10 Mar. 2025

But opponents to the bill hold firm that new natural gas was antithetical to Maryland’s climate goals. —Rachel McCrea, Baltimore Sun, 10 Mar. 2025

Paul Mason, vice president of Pacific Forest Trust, one of the dozens of opposed environmental groups, said eliminating the tiered fire hazard severity zones could have consequences that are antithetical to building new housing that is resilient to the impacts of climate change. —Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025

The court ruled that both orders violate the First and Fifth Amendments and are antithetical to federal anti-discrimination law. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2025