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

The material should not be provided to any person in a jurisdiction where its provision or use would be contrary to local laws, rules, or regulations. —Katie Stockton, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2026

And Smith fervently denied that there was any political influence behind his decision -- contrary to allegations of Republicans on the Judiciary Committee, who requested the testimony -- such as pressure from then-President Joe Biden or then-Attorney General Merrick Garland, the transcripts shows. —Luke Barr, ABC News, 22 Jan. 2026

Serafini claimed there was juror misconduct in the trial and that the guilty verdict was contrary to evidence presented. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 21 Jan. 2026

But contrary to Kumar’s fearmongering, seniors who own homes aren’t the ones at high risk. —Max Taves, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 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