Synonyms of contradictory

contradictory

adjective

ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-t(ə-)rē 

as in contrary

being as different as possible

contradictory predictions regarding stock prices that were of no help to investors at all

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective contradictory differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of contradictory are antithetical, contrary, and opposite. While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," 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 can antithetical be used instead of contradictory?

The synonyms antithetical and contradictory are sometimes interchangeable, but antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

When is it sensible to use contrary instead of contradictory?

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

contrary assessments of the war situation

Where would opposite be a reasonable alternative to contradictory?

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

opposite views on foreign aid

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contradictory

For many outside observers, the ban may seem confusing and contradictory. —Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025

Major limitations include small sample sizes and short study durations, a lack of long-term outcome data, mixed or contradictory findings, and a lack of consensus on the optimal dose and schedule, whether that is daily or weekly. —New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2025

This account of the case is based on interviews with Megan’s family and friends as well as statements from local authorities and a review of available reports, including the autopsy, that paint a complicated and at times contradictory portrait of a young woman in her final days. —Brian Brant, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025

And lots of parents are confused by contradictory messages from various health authorities around childhood vaccinations. —Pia Pannaraj, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2025