Synonyms of contradictory

contradictory

adjective

ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-t(ə-)rē 

as in opposite

being as different as possible

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

The response from Putin, coming almost 24 hours after the US sanctions announcement, was somewhat contradictory. —Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025

The people—the Americans—whose stories are told across ’s 12 hours were as complex and contradictory as anyone alive today. —Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

Referral pathways must connect primary care, gynaecology, mental health, and cardiometabolic services so women are not left to navigate a maze with contradictory advice. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025

That was followed shortly by the BMW X6, which represented itself as the first four-door coupe SUV — an idea as contradictory as non-alcoholic vodka. —Will Sabel Courtney, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2025