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
Bend your knees and cross your legs, bringing the sole of each foot toward the opposite thigh. Aubrey Bailey, Pt, Dpt, Cht, Verywell Health, 24 Jan. 2025 One basis point is equal to 0.01%, and yields and prices move in opposite directions. Alex Harring,sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
In the latter two categories, Chicago’s 2024 scheme was the opposite of Johnson’s: Chicago's league-high 68 sacks tell me Williams would surely welcome a similar retailoring. Jacob Robinson, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 While some on social media may claim that beef tallow helped clear up their acne, take it from this journalist who saw the opposite. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 20 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for opposite 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for opposite
Adjective
  • Furthermore, in a seemingly contradictory move, NVIDIA announced its inaugural Quantum Day, slated for March 20 during GTC 2025, further underscoring its vested interest in QC.
    Luis E. Romero, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Tarrant County commissioners Matt Krause and Manny Ramirez have offered contradictory answers in separate statements.
    Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Jan. 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
  • That’s proof positive that our Dividend Magnet—or the tendency for dividend growth to propel share prices higher—also works in reverse.
    Brett Owens, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Douglas Watkins of McDowell County does it in reverse, so to speak.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • According to one estimate, 96 percent of the world’s population speaks just four percent of all languages, which means that the striking obverse is also true: just four percent of the world’s population speaks 96 percent of all languages.
    Ross Perlin, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024
  • But the two scary-sounding facts have happy-sounding obverses.
    Dominic Pino, National Review, 10 Jan. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near opposite

Cite this Entry

“Opposite.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/opposite. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on opposite

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