Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective antithetical differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antithetical are contradictory, contrary, and opposite. While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

When can contradictory be used instead of antithetical?

While in some cases nearly identical to antithetical, 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 might contrary be a better fit than antithetical?

While the synonyms contrary and antithetical are close in meaning, contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition.

contrary assessments of the war situation

In what contexts can opposite take the place of antithetical?

The meanings of opposite and antithetical largely overlap; however, opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict.

opposite views on foreign aid

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 antithetical Republicans tend to see DEI as reverse discrimination that is unconstitutional and antithetical to meritocracy. David M. Drucker, Boston Herald, 11 Apr. 2025 Nearly every move Sun has made has been antithetical to traditional art collecting. Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2025 The end result is far fewer roster spots at the Division-I level, which would seem antithetical to the NCAA’s overall mission. Joe Sabin, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025 At the 2024 Rose Ball, Princess Charlene opted for attire that was seemingly antithetical to her 2025 look. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antithetical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antithetical
Adjective
  • Such academic collaborations were not contradictory to the North Korean credo of Juche (self-reliance) but rather a means of furthering the resilience capacity of the country’s ecological system which inherently transcends borders.
    Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • That’s because Trump’s aims are often contradictory.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • The following year, then-APD Chief Joseph Chacon declined to discipline either officer — despite contrary recommendations from the Office of Police Oversight and Community Police Review Commission, two civilian bodies tasked with overseeing APD.
    Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • When was the last time a contrary viewpoint actually changed your team's direction?
    Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • One basis point is equal to 0.01%, and yields and prices move in opposite directions.
    Sean Conlon,Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 30 June 2025
  • The Eden's bathroom is placed on the opposite side of the home to the entrance and has a toilet, a vanity sink, and a walk-in shower, plus a little more storage space.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Antithetical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antithetical. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on antithetical

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