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 A smoke screen to obscure an unprecedented consolidation of power and unitary intimidation and coldly antithetical to any experiment in a constitutional republic governance. Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 19 Sep. 2025 Aristocracy, the rule of elites relevant in his day—when less than five percent of the population could vote for Members of Parliament—was obviously antithetical to democracy. Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 7 Sep. 2025 But these charmingly casual houses, many of them centuries old, come with a rigid spatial order that is antithetical to modern lifestyles. Joseph Giovannini, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025 And subcultures were visually distinct and culturally antithetical. Kian Bakhtiari, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for antithetical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for antithetical
Adjective
  • While independent reviews have dismissed claims of FBI orchestration, Patel’s criticism of Wray keeps pressure on the bureau, and his contradictory comments to Trump's regarding January 6 highlight divisions within the Republican Party over how to interpret the events at the Capitol.
    Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Each participant has their own reasons — pride, profit, or passion — making for a fascinating and often contradictory portrait of a community built on memory.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The current chaotic geopolitical landscape fuels contrary trends in the South Caucasus.
    Thomas de Waal, Foreign Affairs, 22 Sep. 2025
  • Civil discourse is the foundation of our republic and contrary opinions and freedom of expression are two of the pillars on which our nation was founded.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Going back to 1977, Virginia has elected a governor in the opposite party as the president, every election cycle except 2013.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The film’s abundant humor and humanity are both rooted in DiCaprio’s ability to contain both of those people at once — to span the distance between those opposite shores while flailing towards each of them with equal desperation.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Antithetical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/antithetical. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on antithetical

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