CONTRADICTORY Synonyms: 35 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'contradictory' differ from other similar words?

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

Q: When can 'antithetical' be used instead of 'contradictory'?

The synonyms antithetical and contradictory are sometimes interchangeable, but antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition. // a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

Q: When is it sensible to use 'contrary' instead of 'contradictory'?

While the synonyms contrary and contradictory are close in meaning, contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition. // contrary assessments of the war situation

Q: Where would 'opposite' be a reasonable alternative to 'contradictory'?

The meanings of opposite and contradictory largely overlap; however, opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict. // opposite views on foreign aid

contradictory

adjective

ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-t(ə-)rē

Definition of contradictory next

as in contrary

being as different as possible contradictory predictions regarding stock prices that were of no help to investors at all

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How does the adjective contradictory differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contradictory are antithetical, contrary, and opposite. While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," 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 can antithetical be used instead of contradictory?

The synonyms antithetical and contradictory are sometimes interchangeable, but antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

When is it sensible to use contrary instead of contradictory?

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

contrary assessments of the war situation

Where would opposite be a reasonable alternative to contradictory?

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

opposite views on foreign aid

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of contradictory Attending a Foreman production at the St. Mark’s Theater in the East Village was a contradictory experience. —

Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025 Prosecutors declined to pursue charges, citing contradictory statements by the victims as one of the reasons. —

Ana Claudia Chacin, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025 Some find this mutual affinity contradictory to the story that brought them to the U.S. —

Sakshi Venkatraman, NBC News, 22 Dec. 2024 Panasonic's approach here is contradictory to most of its competitors, as recent Sony video cameras like the ZV-E10 and the ZV-E1, as well as the Nikon Z 30, work as USB webcams without any additional software or drivers due to their support for the UVC/UAC streaming standard. —

PCMAG, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contradictory

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contradictory

Adjective

No Franchise Shift Matt Seidler, 19 years younger than Peter, also stated in his letter that relocation of the franchise from San Diego has never been discussed or contemplated – despite Sheel’s contrary claims.

Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Trump, characteristically, did not back down from his original point even when contrary facts became known.

Niall Stanage, The Hill, 3 Jan. 2025