contrary to

preposition

: in conflict with : despite
contrary to orders, he set out alone

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web And contrary to Department of Corrections propaganda, working for ACI doesn’t help prisoners stay out of prison. Michael Braga, The Arizona Republic, 22 Mar. 2023 But contrary to some expectations, the guild is not proposing an outright ban on the use of AI technology. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 21 Mar. 2023 Yet, contrary to the fear that binaural beats might serve as a new gateway to illicit substances for youth, an alternative reality seems to be true. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 7 Mar. 2023 According to the Justice Department, despite state law and the district’s own policy, and contrary to generally accepted practice, the district did not limit its use of restraint and seclusion to emergency situations. Iris Samuels, Anchorage Daily News, 16 Feb. 2023 Francois enjoyed being naked more than most people, even French people, not all of whom, contrary to popular assumption, enjoy public nudity. Eviana Hartman, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2023 The vice president of the National Union of Tunisian Journalists, Amira Mohamed, said on Mosaique radio that journalists were barred from some voting stations, contrary to electoral rules. Bouazza Ben Bouazza, ajc, 29 Jan. 2023 But contrary to previous reports, rumors of a new HomePod mini 2nd Generation are incorrect. David Phelan, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2023 And contrary to widespread misperception, women are often effective leaders. Kara Alaimo, CNN, 19 Jan. 2023 See More

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

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contrary to was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near contrary to

Cite this Entry

“Contrary to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contrary%20to. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on contrary to

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Which Came First?

  • baby chick with a brown egg
  • hot take or cold shoulder?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY