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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of contrary

Adjective

Or to re-create, in Frankfurter Kreuz (Frankfurt Junction), 2023, the traffic patterns through a highway interchange known for its congestion, eliciting a contrary energy from the brushstrokes. —

Moritz Scheper, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2024 And only Trump has sought to do so in the face of contrary legislation. —

Scott R. Anderson, Foreign Affairs, 17 July 2020

Noun

Despite rumors to the contrary, a source told People in November that the relationship between Valente and Bündchen is strictly platonic and professional. —

Carrie Wittmer, Glamour, 18 Jan. 2023 Despite the pharmaceutical industry’s loud complaints to the contrary, the new law directing Medicare to negotiate drug prices may increase prices for some new drugs, congressional Medicare advisers said Friday. —

John Wilkerson, STAT, 13 Jan. 2023 See all Example Sentences for contrary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contrary

Adjective

Charismatic Leadership And Body Language The most magnetic business leaders have mastered the art of balancing two seemingly contradictory forces: receptivity and formidability.

Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
The group previously ran seemingly contradictory ads aimed at voters in different swing states.

Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 29 Oct. 2024