Synonyms of opposite

opposite 1 of 2

adjective

ˈä-pə-zət 

as in contradictory

being as different as possible

those two are fundamentally opposite—she being loquacious and outgoing where he is quiet and reserved

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

• contrary
• reverse
• obverse
• antithesis
• negative
• counter
• converse
• antipode
• negation
• inverse
• counterpoint
• antonym
• mirror image

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• synonym
• counterpart
• analogue
• duplicate
• copy
• replica
• carbon copy

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

Recent Examples of opposite

Adjective

Free-loving Venus is in your 3rd House of Communication, opposite cosmic detective Pluto in your 9th House of Travel and Learning, so casual words meet deeper beliefs that refuse to be ignored. —Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026

England fans on the opposite end are still standing, while those on the Croatia side are mostly sitting, likely hoping against hope for a miracle. —Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 June 2026

Noun

But the Scots have managed to do it without causing a mess, in fact, the opposite. —Brandon Truitt, CBS News, 17 June 2026

Others have done the opposite—had kids first, rented longer, and are now hunting for space in a market that moved against them. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 17 June 2026