CONTRARY Synonyms: 222 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of contrary are antithetical , contradictory , and opposite . While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition. // contrary assessments of the war situation

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

While in some cases nearly identical to contrary , antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition. // a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

Q: In what contexts can 'contradictory' take the place of 'contrary'?

While the synonyms contradictory and contrary are close in meaning, 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 'opposite' be used instead of 'contrary'?

In some situations, the words opposite and contrary are roughly equivalent. However, opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict. // opposite views on foreign aid

contrary 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkän-ˌtrer-ē

Definition of contrary next

as in contradictory

being as different as possible the other jurors seemed sure the defendant was guilty, but I came to the contrary conclusion

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in mischievous

engaging in or marked by childish misbehavior a contrary child who wouldn't behave

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rebellious

given to resisting authority or another's control the contrary soldier is facing a court-martial for insubordination

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contrary

2 of 2

noun

ˈkän-ˌtrer-ē

as in opposite

something that is as different as possible from something else the admonition that we should not return hate with hate, but rather with its contrary—love

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective contrary differ from other similar words?

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

contrary assessments of the war situation

When is it sensible to use antithetical instead of contrary?

While in some cases nearly identical to contrary, antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

In what contexts can contradictory take the place of contrary?

While the synonyms contradictory and contrary are close in meaning, 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 opposite be used instead of contrary?

In some situations, the words opposite and contrary are roughly equivalent. However, opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict.

opposite views on foreign aid

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of contrary

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

Noun

Soldiers, to the contrary, have regularly stood by as settlers engage in wanton violence against Palestinians. —

Raja Shehadeh, The New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2023 And, it hadn’t been endorsed by big companies such as Pfizer, despite the company's claims to the contrary. —

Sabrina Talbert, Women's Health, 23 Jan. 2023 See all Example Sentences for contrary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrary

Adjective

The White House’s contradictory positions will be partly to blame here.

— Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025
Throughout his time on the stand, Ephron delivered lively testimony, and his contradictory statements could complicate the jury's verdict.

— Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025