contrary to

preposition

: in conflict with : despite

Contrary to orders, he set out alone.

Examples of contrary to in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The governor’s office said Friday that, contrary to claims made by critics in recent days, the proposal would not limit a fire survivor’s ability to seek economic damages for homes destroyed or damaged in a wildfire, including for smoke damage. — Linh Tat, Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026

Advertisement But contrary to popular understanding among many today, Hiroshima did not convince Japan to surrender. — James M. Scott, Time, 10 Aug. 2026

One major influence on postwar psychoanalytic approaches to homosexuality was Sándor Radó, who, contrary to Freud, argued that heterosexuality was innate and universal. — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 4 Aug. 2026

Anger Anger is a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or even hostility—and contrary to what many are taught to believe—anger does not have to be a negative emotion. — Jenna Autuori-Dedic, Parents, 4 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for contrary to

• hullabaloo
• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup