contradictory

adjective

con·tra·dic·to·ry | \ ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-t(ə-)rē

Definition of contradictory

(Entry 1 of 2)

: involving, causing, or constituting a contradiction contradictory statements The witnesses gave contradictory accounts of the accident.

contradictory

noun

con·tra·dic·to·ry

plural contradictories

Definition of contradictory (Entry 2 of 2)

: a proposition (see proposition entry 1 sense 2a) so related to another that if either of the two is true the other is false and if either is false the other must be true

Other Words from contradictory Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about contradictory

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Other Words from contradictory

Adjective

contradictorily \ ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-t(ə-)rə-lē

\ adverb

contradictoriness \ ˌkän-trə-ˈdik-t(ə-)rē-nəs

\ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for contradictory

Synonyms: Adjective

antipodal, antipodean, antithetical, contrary, diametric (or diametrical), opposite, polar

Antonyms: Adjective

noncontradictory

Choose the Right Synonym for contradictory

Adjective

opposite, contradictory, contrary, antithetical mean being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable. opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict. opposite views on foreign aid 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 contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition. contrary assessments of the war situation antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition. a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

Examples of contradictory in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

In Washington, Democrats currently have two opposite and contradictory theories of the case. — Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, "Forget “No Collusion,” Trump Is Now Pro-Collusion," 14 June 2019 More broadly, observers and employees viewing these seemingly contradictory goals and actions wonder how seriously Amazon leaders take the climate challenge. — Benjamin Romano, The Seattle Times, "Employees are pressuring Amazon to become a leader on climate. Here’s how that could work.," 18 May 2019 The explanation for Apple’s seemingly contradictory positions here could be obvious. — Casey Newton, The Verge, "Apple crushed Alex Jones — then tossed him a lifeline," 8 Aug. 2018 Within three days of Claudia’s death, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Border Patrol’s parent agency, released two contradictory statements about what happened near Martinez’s home. — Lauren Bohn, Marie Claire, "Who Killed Claudia Gomez?," 2 May 2019 But this is where anti-migrant policy, populism and nationalism create confused and sometimes contradictory positions. — Steven Erlanger, New York Times, "Migration to Europe Is Slowing, but the Political Issue Is as Toxic as Ever," 22 June 2018 In the Senate, former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi pointed out that much of the agenda seemed contradictory and unpaid for. — Jason Horowitz, New York Times, "Italy’s New Populist Government Articulates Vision, but Few Specifics," 5 June 2018 Militant groups and government officials made contradictory claims about who was responsible. — Jawad Sukhanyar And Rod Nordland, BostonGlobe.com, "Militants Kill 15 in Afghan Attacks as Taliban Expands Its Control," 9 May 2018 The most powerful agents and dealmakers in Hollywood should not be allowed to pursue two separate lawsuits at the same time that make contradictory claims. — Eriq Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, "AMC Urges Judge to Reopen Briefing in 'Walking Dead' Profits Case," 8 Mar. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

For a school board that has criticized Foose for a lack of transparency, the secret talks over separation and lining up an interim appear contradictory. — Howard County Times, "Renee Foose is out. Now what?," 3 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'contradictory.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.