Synonyms of antithetical

antithetical

adjective

ˌan-tə-ˈthe-ti-kəl 

as in contradictory

being as different as possible

spiritual concerns and ideals that are antithetical to the materialism embraced by modern society

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Recent Examples of antithetical

The issue has divided much of Trump’s base, between traditional GOP war hawks and those who claim further military intervention would be antithetical to MAGA values. —Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 19 June 2025

The Trump administration seems willing to meet the right people in tech and say the right things, but its policies are antithetical to a thriving ecosystem of innovation. —Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 6 June 2025

This state of affairs, Brooks thinks, is antithetical to music’s purpose. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 5 May 2025

Such practices are antithetical to the American tradition of an independent, adversarial press. —Jim Martin, Denver Post, 1 May 2025

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