contrary to

preposition

: in conflict with : despite

Contrary to orders, he set out alone.

Examples of contrary to in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the Times, the men’s accounts differed, contradicted each other, and were contrary to the statements given by the woman to Cornell police in 2024. — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026

However, the state school board argues that this kind of oversight is contrary to the will of the voters and the state constitution. — CBS News, 27 Sep. 2026

The first hull in Azimut’s Grande 44M range is, contrary to what the name suggests, actually not too shabby. — Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2026

And on Friday, in the first of these cases to make its way through the courts, the declaration was judged to be contrary to the statute. — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for contrary to

• hullabaloo
• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup