opposite 1 of 2

opposite

2 of 2

noun

as in contrary
something that is as different as possible from something else no matter what I say, you insist on the opposite

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective opposite differ from other similar words?

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

opposite views on foreign aid

When is it sensible to use antithetical instead of opposite?

While the synonyms antithetical and opposite are close in meaning, antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

Where would contradictory be a reasonable alternative to opposite?

The words contradictory and opposite can be used in similar contexts, but 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 is contrary a more appropriate choice than opposite?

The meanings of contrary and opposite largely overlap; however, contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition.

contrary assessments of the war situation

Example 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 opposite
Adjective
The critique of contract workers created the ideas of natural and unnatural immigration, so that contract workers, or unnatural immigrants, could be vilified and their exclusion justified through contrast with the opposite category, free and natural immigrants. Made By History, Time, 26 Mar. 2025 Previously, Rowan starred opposite Jennifer Connelly and Daveed Diggs in TNT’s Snowpiercer, recurred on the ABC series The Goldbergs, and led the Disney Channel Original Movie Invisible Sister. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
The need to rebuild will not be a problem, but the opposite. Simon Shuster/kyiv, TIME, 25 Mar. 2025 While her humor leans dry, her design style is the opposite of understated. Bryce Jones, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for opposite
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opposite
Adjective
  • These seemingly contradictory trends — stable rates of alcoholism, but increasing deaths — could be explained by a few things.
    Dylan Scott, Vox, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Iran has offered a series of seemingly contradictory responses.
    Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The context seemed to offer proof of William Blake’s adage: Without contraries is no progression.
    Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2024
  • Anyone still out on new ownership is just a contrary a this point.
    Carl Anka, The Athletic, 29 July 2024
Noun
  • The scene was vaguely reminiscent of boxers who cut weight before their bouts, except in reverse.
    Scott Cacciola, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The song vies to add to the prevalence of women in rap pulling an Uno reverse on rap’s coarse misogyny, slinging back the mud that male artists have thrown on women for years.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Kraft noted that the coin's obverse was identical to the 1806 British coinage, while the reverse was unique to the Bahamas.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The obverse features a portrait of Lady Liberty, while the reverse showcases an eagle encircled by a wreath.
    Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Opposite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opposite. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on opposite

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