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

Indeed, antisemitisms prove that a society can hold contradictory images simultaneously, such as the fact that the Jews are both anarchists out to destroy capitalism as well as capitalists out to exploit the working class. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026

During a presentation on the new graduation rates data at the Board of Regents meeting last week, Regent Jose Hernandez drew attention to the contradictory nature of the data and what STEM professors were saying in public comment on the issue. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026

The film draws on the filmmaker’s experiences as a neurodivergent gay man navigating the contradictory demands of masculinity. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 July 2026

How Europe failed Ukraine If Washington has been inconsistent, much of Europe has been outright contradictory. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 16 July 2026